Our Impact
Transforming schools by centering youth leadership and restorative practices.
Meeting the Moment: Why Our Work Matters
When students are equipped with the skills to resolve conflict peacefully, to listen with empathy, and to lead their communities, they don’t just feel safer at school. They learn more. They show up more. They become more. At Western Justice Center (WJC), we empower youth, educators, and communities with conflict resolution skills that foster safe, inclusive schools and long-term success. Conflict resolution is a vital life skill—supporting personal growth, workplace readiness, civic engagement, and community leadership.
Today, WJC leads the largest Restorative Education initiative in LA County, with staff supporting more than 40 schools across multiple districts. While we provide a range of accessible training opportunities for students and educators, the focus of our work is on building long-term partnerships designed to shift school culture, climate and discipline practices districtwide.
A Summary of Findings | Cal Poly Pomona Case Study, June 2025
In 2025, Cal Poly Pomona’s Department of Educational Leadership released an independent case study examining what happened in one Southern California school district when the Western Justice Center partnered with schools to teach students how to resolve conflict peacefully, listen with empathy, and lead their communities. In a district of 6,348 students—where 87% face socioeconomic disadvantage—WJC’s framework improved academic achievement, reduced absenteeism, and resolved 9 in 10 peer conflicts without escalation. The approach aligns with LCAP requirements, AB 2598, and California’s Community Schools Partnership Program standards.
The independent study tracked student outcomes over two years, drawing on interviews with 53 students, 20 teachers, and 10 administrators, alongside California state academic data, school climate surveys, and documented mediation records. The findings were consistent, multi-dimensional, and striking.
What The Research Found
↑ Grades went up.
High school A–C grade rates rose 9% in two years — from 71.5% to 79.5%. Middle school rates climbed 5.6%. This happened while schools were in the middle of a disruptive merger, when outcomes typically fall.
★ Students showed up.
Chronic absenteeism dropped 6.2% in a single year, and attendance improved across every grade level, with an average 12% gain. Not one student subgroup reached California’s highest-risk designation for absenteeism.
❤ Belonging grew.
Elementary belonging scores rose 5% overall, with five of seven schools posting gains of 6–11% — all exceeding California norms. High school belonging surged 9%, directly linked to the introduction of twice-monthly community circles.
✔ Conflict resolved peacefully.
90% of middle school peer mediations were resolved without further conflict, aggression, or suspension. All 39 documented mediations ended with a signed agreement. A school counselor confirmed that without peer mediation, most of these conflicts would have escalated to violence.
▲ English Learners made dramatic gains.
Schools implementing community circles alongside English language programs achieved California’s highest state ratings — while schools without this approach saw declines. The equity gap, for once, moved in the right direction.
☺ Teachers embraced it.
98.8% of educators who completed WJC’s professional development said they would recommend it to a colleague — a rare and meaningful marker of real-world adoption.
At A Glance
We are building a community of young peacebuilders and the adults who support them.
Since 2023
4,000+
Students, educators and volunteers trained in
conflict resolution and restorative practices
30,000+
Young people learning in schools where
conflict resolution tools are in use
In the 2025-2026 School Year
664+
Students trained as
peer mediators
1,000 to 2,000
Peers supported through
student led mediations
718
Educators engaged in restorative justice practices
The Ripple Effect
Change in one classroom, one school can influence an entire school community. By empowering student voice, training educators, and building coalitions, Western Justice Center creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the classroom and can transform neighborhoods.
Student mediators help classmates de-escalate conflict. Educators use conflict resolution education and restorative tools to repair harm and rebuild trust. Administrators make decisions that prioritize belonging over exclusion. Young people are equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate conflict effectively, develop the confidence to become agents of change, and take meaningful action to transform their communities. Together, they are creating safer schools and stronger communities.
Peace Is A Practice
Students: Young people are trained as peer mediators and circle keepers. They practice listening, problem solving and leadership, and they support classmates through conflict instead of watching fights escalate.
Educators: Teachers and school staff use restorative practices that help them support students who face the steepest obstacles. They have concrete tools to repair harm, not only to punish it.
Administrators: Principals and district leaders apply our model to complex challenges on their campuses. They shift from crisis response to schoolwide systems that build safety, trust and belonging.
55 South Grand Avenue,
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 584-7494
#BuildingPeaceTogether