The US has the highest rate of incarcerated people in the world and for decades NYS was one of only two states to prosecute 16 year olds as adults.  Upon release, these young people face barriers to employment, and aren’t prepared to succeed or grow professionally. Imprisonment has lifelong consequences, and youth that have been incarcerated have a 70% chance of being rearrested within 5 years.

At Drive Change our mission is to support formerly incarcerated young people, and create quality employment pathways to ensure their economic and emotional wellbeing. We work to create systemic change and sustainable impact through unapologetically reimagining what’s possible for the food and hospitality industry.

While the hospitality sector has the potential to be an opportunity for our youth, Drive Change recognizes that the annual turnover rate for entry level employees in the US hospitality sector is 73.8% (Bureau of Labor Statistics), with 6% of employees quitting every month. Therefore, Drive Change challenges the hospitality industry to hire, train, and retain qualified young people and provide workplaces that are equitable and supportive.

To support this demand for systems change, we provide education, training, and coaching to the leaders of our Hospitality for Social Justice restaurant network, focusing on identity, power and privilege. 

Until October 2018, New York was one of only two states to automatically arrest and prosecute 16-year-olds as adults. 

The American Legal System has roots in the enslavement of Black and brown people and is designed to structurally oppress poor people of color.

Young people who are treated as adults in the American Legal System face harsh conditions. Upon release, they confront hurdles to employment and education.

70% of people under 24 who have been treated as adults in the American Legal System will return to prison in their lifetime.