Courtney A. Woods
Courtney A. Woods
Ms. Woods graduated from Michigan State University (MSU) in August 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, with a Political Science Cognate and Community Governance and Advocacy Concentration, in addition to a Philosophy and Law Minor. During her tenure at MSU, Ms. Woods worked as a program assistant with the TRIO Student Support Services Program with the Office of Supportive Services, where she secured a grant that provided scholarship funds for low-income, first generation college students studying abroad. In this role, Ms. Woods also co-managed summer enrichment programs serving 50-100 incoming first year students. Ms. Woods coordinated and facilitated self-development TRIO SSS seminars featuring scholars and practitioners from across the university to discuss various topics, including financial literacy, cultural competency, health and wellness, and academic enrichment. After completion of her undergraduate studies, Ms. Woods served as a program fellow with the Center for Public Interest Careers at Harvard College.
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Ms. Woods recently earned her master's degree in Education Policy and Management from Harvard Graduate School of Education in May of 2017. As a master's candidate, most of her research focused on reducing pathways to justice involvement involving black girls. Given her interdisciplinary background, her research focuses on both identifying prevention points for policy recommendations and systems level institutional change. She has put theory into practice through her work piloting restorative justice practices with the Phillips Brooks House Association Inc. Summer Urban Program. In the summer of 2017, over 800 youth across Boston who are enrolled in SUP will work with staff members trained by Ms. Woods in circle processes, meditation, and mediation.