Restorative Justice Program Application Form

This program is designed for people in the Philadelphia region who are interested in bringing restorative justice to their career or community, focusing on criminal justice reform, including crime prevention (such as disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline) and intersections of crime and victimization in K-12 and higher education settings. Individuals who have completed at least a GED or high school diploma are eligible to enroll in this certificate program. Dual enrollment students nearing the age of 18 who are about to earn a GED or high school diploma may also be eligible to enroll.

For consideration for admission to the Spring 2027 cohort, submit this program and scholarship application no later than November 2, 2026. Applicants will be informed of Spring 2027 program acceptance and any scholarship funding by November 20, 2026. We will maintain a waitlist for prospective students who are unable to enroll in the Spring 2027 cohort.

All three restorative justice courses are 15-week, in person courses meeting on Tuesday nights at the Career and Advanced Technology Center.

The third course, a community practicum course, will allow you to apply what you’ve learned at a local school or organization.

For support with completing the online application, please reach out to Sarah Byker James, Assistant Professor and Project Director of the Restorative Justice proficiency certificate, at sbykerjames [at] ccp.edu (sbykerjames[at]ccp[dot]edu).

Applicants who are not students at Community College of Philadelphia will need to apply to the College, and applicants are also encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if they are eligible for federal Pell grant funding.

This application to the program will also serve as a scholarship application.

Note that tuition rates are higher for individuals living outside of the city limits of Philadelphia and that Philadelphia residents will receive preference for scholarship funding.

With funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, scholarships can be used to assist with tuition and fees. Applicants to this program and students enrolled in this program agree to sharing their information with Community College of Philadelphia and our partner on this Bureau of Justice Assistance project, the University of San Diego's Center for Restorative Justice.

This project and scholarship opportunity are supported by Subaward No. 15PBJA-23-GK-01578-NCRJ-02 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view, images, or opinions relevant to this project and scholarship awards do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

In what setting(s) do you plan to apply your restorative justice skills?
How would you identify your race and/or ethnicity? Check ALL that apply and fill in the blank if helpful.
Will you be ready to start the first course in this program on Tuesday, Jan. 19 and attend weekly through the end of the Spring 2027 semester (early May)? This course will meet at CCP's Career and Advanced Technology Center, 4750 Market Street, from 6 to 9:05 p.m.?

Your background and/or interest 

Discuss your background and/or interest in restorative justice. Why are you excited to enroll in this cohort program, and how can you contribute to a meaningful, connected experience? In addition, share how you, your career, and/or your community would benefit from participation. Where or how do you hope to apply what you learn in this program?

As part of your response, you are welcome to share your reflections on your background, identities, and funding needs. You are also welcome to share experiences with or reflections on the criminal justice system and/or other punitive institutions and systems. Aim for at least two full paragraphs (about 400 words), or a 2–3-minute video or audio response.

Please write at least two full paragraphs (about 400 words) or attach a 2-3 minute video or audio response. Avoid using AI and instead share original reflections that help us get to know you and why you want to be part of this program. If you choose the video or audio response option or prefer to attach a file rather than type a short answer response, use the next question to do so and type "see attached" here.

One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: avi mov mp3 mp4 ogg wav .

Commitment to Program

If selected for the certificate program, I commit to fully participate in all courses over three fall and spring semesters starting in January 2027 and ending in May 2028. I understand that these courses will require participation in class discussions and restorative justice processes such as circles and conferences. In addition to being present and engaged in class, I commit to self-reflection and feedback processes with my cohort. If for some reason I am unable to complete the courses on schedule, I will communicate with the project director and understand that any awarded scholarship funds may not be available at a future time. (Check YES to confirm, or if you will not be able to start the program in January 2027, select “other” and explain when you would be able to begin the program.)

Course Commitment

I am aware that the proficiency certificate in Restorative Justice is a three-semester commitment to in-person training and community-building with other Philadelphians. I understand that Restorative Justice courses require in-person weekly attendance. I also understand that the third course is a practicum course which will require a volunteer internship of approximately 8 hours a week at a community site mutually selected by student, instructor, and site. I will carve out approximately 10 hours per week in my schedule to complete each course in this certificate program. Feel free to share any comments, concerns, and questions under "other."

Time Commitment

Funding Sources

Have you completed the FAFSA? All interested students who have not completed a bachelor's degree should complete a FAFSA to see if you qualify for federal grants. If you need help, reach out to CCP's Financial Aid office.

These grant-funded scholarships were established to ensure we are meeting student needs for funding. For Philadelphia residents, tuition and fees total $193 per credit. The total cost of the program for Philadelphia residents completing all 16 credits (the three restorative justice courses and the two electives) is currently $3088. The total cost of the program for Philadelphia residents who transfer 6 credits and take the three Restorative Justice courses is currently $1930. See tuition rates for more information.

Do you have potential funding sources for the certificate?