Devin, a recipient of the J. Russell “Russ” Jennings Scholarship and mentoring from the Center for Improving Youth Justice (CIYJ), shares how his path shifted from academics to entrepreneurship. Initially using the scholarship funding to pursue schooling, he later found that a career in the trades suited him better and became an electrician. With encouragement from a friend involved in cattle ranching, Devin proposed using the remaining scholarship funds to start a business. Backed by his CIYJ mentor and a solid business plan, he received approval to repurpose the funds—an unconventional but impactful move.
Now operating on an 11-acre ranch in Modesto, California, Devin raises eight head of cattle using sustainable grazing and irrigation practices. His daily routine includes long hours of work followed by ranch maintenance, all driven by a deep sense of purpose. Devin sees his cattle as a living extension of his scholarship, a symbol of growth and opportunity. He hopes his story inspires other young people to explore alternative paths and to never hesitate in asking for support—believing that even bold ideas can flourish with the right backing and determination.
The CIYJ J. Russell “Russ” Jennings Scholarship: Established in honor of Russ Jennings and his extraordinary contribution to the lives of countless young people and colleagues in juvenile justice, the CIYJ Russ Jennings Scholarship and mentorship recognizes both the importance of continued education after high school and the challenges of completing programs over the course of 12-24 months or longer. The scholarship provides a mentor and $15,000 for tuition and other education costs to earn a degree or technical vocational certification.