The Institute of Community School Peers (ICSP) is an innovative educational model harnessing the triumphs of those who have overcome educational hurdles, like navigating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or facing biases.
These individuals, empowered by their experiences, collaborate with educational stakeholders to reshape the educational landscape. ICSP establishes peer-led support networks in schools, emphasizing cultural responsiveness and peer support to foster academic and social growth. Training incorporates national peer recovery and educational specialist models, enriched with grant acquisition skills for sustainability.
Research underscores the efficacy of peer-led and culturally responsive approaches in improving student outcomes. By prioritizing collaboration and community involvement, ICSP endeavors to create inclusive, supportive educational environments, driving significant advancements in academic and social realms.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE INSTITUTE
JPR National Family Peer Specialist Certification
6 Figure Grants
Change R.E.A.D.Y. Academy Certification Course
JPR National Family Peer Specialist Certification
COURSE OBJECTIVE
✅ Understand the role and responsibilities of a Family Peer Specialist.
✅ Develop effective communication and advocacy skills to support families navigating mental health and substance use challenges.
✅ Learn best practices in providing peer support, including ethical guidelines and professional boundaries.
✅ Gain insight into cultural competency and trauma-informed care principles.
✅ Prepare thoroughly for the CFPS exam with targeted review ses
6 Figure Grants
COURSE OBJECTIVE
✅ How to search and find grants (the quickest way to find funding for your community school program)
✅ Stakeholder Mapping 101: how to find manage and engage with partners to support your program
✅ How to use AI for Grantwriting: the ethical way to fast track your fundraising for your program
✅ Uncovering your city’s secret plan: how to connect your work as a solution to solving citywide problem
Change R.E.A.D.Y. Academy Certification Course
COURSE OBJECTIVE
✅ How to create community buy-in
✅ Aligning your venture with Community Efforts
✅ Partner with schools & organizations to move forward with your mission
✅ Engaging with schools to utilize your services
✅ Build a community network that markets for you.
✅ Develop Youth to make Change in their communities with your tools
✅ How to interpret what schools want
✅ How to identify what a school needs and build the answer.
✅ How to get the school on board with your program
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Dr. Masica D. Jordan Alston
LCPC, RPS, CPRS
Dr. Jordan Alston graduated from Bowie State University with a B.S. in Sociology and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, then earned a Doctorate of Education in Counseling/Psychology. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified peer recovery specialist.
As the founder of Jordan Peer Recovery and CEO of Peerfinity, LLC, she delivers culturally responsive peer support for addiction and mental health conditions. Dr. Alston is recognized for her work on CNN, FOX, and other media, her work was featured HBO documentary "Waiting for Superman."
She has served as Executive Director of Organizational Excellence for Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas and founded the Grief and Loss Centers of America. Dr. Alston has been at the forefront of combating the opioid epidemic and advises on youth mental health and juvenile justice reform.
She has created a proprietary educational system for cultural responsiveness used nationwide and assisted over 50 agencies in developing evidence-based programs.
Dr. Joseph T Hackett, PhD
GRANT EXPERT
J. Hackett is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in community and economic development. He is the founder and chairman of the board of Black Wall Street AVL.
His accolades include recognition from the Chamber of Commerce and a feature in the NC Bar Journal for Social Enterprise.
He is also the owner of Grind Coffee, #1 fastest growing startup in WNC, #1 minority owned business in WNC, and 3rd best coffee shop in NC.
Bruce Waller Jr.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIST
Bruce Waller is a military veteran and nationally recognized Community School Strategist with over 20 years of experience in community development and outreach. He is the leading expert in community school peer services using both his lived experience and professional work to inform his framework.
With a proven track record in recruiting and mobilizing, Bruce helps schools, businesses, and organizations generate millions in revenue, recruit hundreds of clients/volunteers, and explode their impact by connecting their work to a greater community mission.