University of Maryland

The University of Maryland Racial Democracy, Crime, and Justice Network (RDCJN) supports a cohort of scholars annually through intensive mentorship, professional development workshops, and a collaborative, supportive environment to help advance their careers. Young scholars of color often encounter unique challenges in obtaining mentoring and training, confronting isolation in their departments and universities, and managing demands from students, colleagues, administrators, and the public. The RDCJN is structured to address each of these challenges with a core focus on research support, including methodological assistance. This X-Grant supports the development of a comprehensive pipeline and network to recruit and advance underrepresented policy analysts and researchers across the nation and help them attain leadership roles where they can make a significant and positive impact on the criminal justice system.