A young man who was once incarcerated at New York City’s notorious Rikers Island has secured a full scholarship to study at the prestigious Columbia University, just a little over a year after his release.
This life-changing accomplishment is a testament to the power of La La Anthony’s ThreeSixty program, a rehabilitation initiative the actress and philanthropist founded to support young, incarcerated Black men.
A Proven Path to Success: Holistic Support and Opportunities
The ThreeSixty program, operated through La La Anthony’s non-profit organization, La La Land Foundation, offers a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and reintegration. Beyond providing legal services and connecting the young men with lawyers, the program focuses on equipping them with essential life skills, job training, and mental health resources.
“We just make it a really fun day,” Anthony shared with People magazine. “We want them to be prepared with certain skills so they can really get out there and back into life and into the workforce after release.”
This holistic approach, combined with a dedicated team and a nurturing environment, has yielded remarkable results, as evidenced by the young man’s admission to the prestigious Columbia University.
Fostering Compassion and Opportunity for Vulnerable Youth
La La Anthony’s commitment to the ThreeSixty program stems from her deep understanding of the challenges faced by young, incarcerated Black men. Recognizing that many of them are just one bad decision away from a similar fate, Anthony has cultivated a compassionate approach that empowers them to envision a brighter future.
“At this age, they are still so young,” Anthony explains. “When you talk to them, especially if you have your own kids, you just become so much more compassionate. It feels like any one of our kids could be one bad decision away from being in a similar situation.”
Combating the Cycle of Recidivism: Rehabilitation as the Key
Studies have shown that Black men are more likely to relapse into criminal activity upon release from prison, a troubling phenomenon that Anthony aims to address head-on. By providing “real rehabilitation” during incarceration, the ThreeSixty program equips the young men with the tools and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society and become better citizens.
“If they did something wrong and they’re paying for their crime, let’s give them real rehabilitation while they’re there so they can come out and be better citizens,” Anthony emphasizes. “We want them to come out and do better, and be better.”
Transforming Lives, One Scholarship at a Time
The young man’s full scholarship to Columbia University is a powerful testament to the impact of La La Anthony’s ThreeSixty program. It serves as a shining example of how access to the right resources, opportunities, and unconditional support can truly transform the lives of those who have faced adversity.
“It’s really amazing to see that when you take them out of jail and put them in the right environment, with the right opportunities and love and support, incredible things can happen,” Anthony shared with People.
