The Center for Improving Youth Justice (CIYJ) is honored to announce Joevanny G. as the 2025 recipient of the J. Russell “Russ” Jennings (JRJ) Scholarship and Mentoring Award. Joevanny, a resident of Nevada and a recent graduate of Spring Mountain Youth Camp’s academic program, embodies the spirit, resilience, and determination this scholarship was designed to uplift.
Joevanny’s journey is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through perseverance and a steadfast commitment to personal growth. Despite facing profound challenges early in life—including circumstances that would shake even the strongest among us—Joevanny has consistently chosen hope over hardship and action over adversity. He graduated with one of the highest HiSET scores in his program, a milestone made possible by unwavering determination and a belief in the possibility of a brighter future.
This fall, Joevanny will begin his studies at the College of Southern Nevada pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. His ultimate goal is to become a probation officer—a career path inspired by his own lived experience and his desire to ensure that other young people are met not with punishment but with understanding, structure and support. What set Joevanny apart in the competitive application process was not only his academic readiness but also his powerful vision for the future. He made clear how education is central to his long-term goals and how he plans to use that education to uplift others. His letter of recommendation spoke of his rare warmth, natural leadership and ability to build meaningful relationships. His essay connected his educational plan to his long-term goals and articulated a desire not simply to succeed but to give back—to his peers, his mentors and his community.
The JRJ Scholarship was established to honor Russ Jennings’ unwavering belief in the capacity of young people to heal, grow, and learn. Russ believed that education is a pathway to meaningful careers, stable housing and healthy families. This award was established in his name to offer those opportunities to justice-involved young people. The scholarship offers more than financial support—it provides a mentorship network to help justice-involved youth thrive in higher education and beyond.
Joevanny has shown that he is more than ready to meet this opportunity with the same courage and dedication that has carried him this far. With $15,000 awarded over two years, the scholarship will help cover tuition, books, and supplies as they continue their journey through higher education — supported every step of the way by a dedicated mentor who has walked a similar path and navigated the very same hurdles of enrollment forms, online courses, and late-night studying while working and rebuilding their lives. These mentors are guides and examples of what’s possible.
In a world too often quick to judge young people by their past, Joevanny reminds us of what is possible when someone is offered a second chance and chooses to run with it. We are proud to walk beside Joevanny on this next chapter of his journey. Please join us in celebrating this outstanding young man and the future he is building one bold step at a time.
Stay tuned as we share more about their journey — and the impact of mentorship, persistence, and hope in action.