Support, community, advocacy
System Impacted Scholars
System Impacted Scholars is a student organization at Columbia University that builds community, resources, and advocacy for students affected by the carceral system, immigration enforcement, foster care, and surveillance structures.
System Impacted Scholars members and guests at the Ban the Box panel, April 2025.
Our Story
Founded at GS in Fall 2024
System Impacted Scholars was founded at Columbia’s School of General Studies in collaboration with the Center for Justice at Columbia University. It emerged from a clear need: students affected by the carceral system, foster care, immigration enforcement, and other surveillance structures often arrive at Columbia without a dedicated community or resources to lean on.
Now in its second year, the club has grown to over 42 members, hosted five panels and documentary screenings in partnership with the Fortune Society, MilVets, the Columbia Muslim Students Association, and others — and was featured in Columbia News.
"SIS was created because many students impacted by the carceral system often struggle to find community and resources on campus."
Jason Bostic, President — System Impacted Scholars
Featured Event
Beyond — Documentary Screening
A screening of the documentary Beyond, co-hosted with the Columbia Muslim Students Association and the Muslim Law Students Association. At Sing Sing prison, a group of incarcerated men organize a TED-style event, sharing personal narratives and bold ideas for changing the prison system. After the film, two featured cast members shared their personal stories and experience filming the documentary.
WhenWednesday, April 15, 2026, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
WhereSchermerhorn Hall, Room 614, 1190 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
Our Mission
We are a System Impacted Student Group that aims to gather students who have been impacted by the criminal legal system to offer support, community, advocacy and elevate our voices on campus.Read our mission
Explore
Everything about the club
Executive Board
Meet the team
President
Jason Bostic
jb5002@columbia.edu
Vice President
Jonathan Wrenn
jw4544@columbia.edu
Communications
Jeremy Spence
jspence@columbia.edu
Treasurer
Dominic Dupont
dd3252@columbia.edu
Communications
Joyce Kamdem
jk4865@columbia.eduResources
For members & students
Center for Justice
Columbia's hub for criminal justice research, education, and community partnerships.
Columbia HealthCounseling, mental health support, and wellness services for Columbia students.
GS Financial AidScholarships, grants, and emergency funding resources for GS students.
GS Student LifePrograms, student organizations, leadership opportunities, and community resources for GS students.
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In the News