Students Lead the Way in Youth Justice Education
Students in CRIM 352: Corrections extended their learning beyond the classroom—designing and delivering real-world workshops for youth at the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center and Martin Hall.
Guided by Assistant Professor Christiane Schwarz, Ph.D. of the Sociology and Criminology Department and in partnership with Kathryn Tribby-Moore, principal of Juvenile Detention School Services at NEWESD 101, students were challenged to develop two-hour workshop proposals for justice-involved youth ages 10–17. Tribby-Moore visited Gonzaga’s campus to share insights about the unique educational needs of detained youth, helping students ground their ideas in real-world context. Drawing from academic research, theoretical frameworks and their own creativity, students crafted engaging, evidence-based proposals.
Each proposal was reviewed by facility educators and staff—and three student-designed workshops were officially approved for delivery by Gonzaga students.
This collaboration exemplifies Gonzaga’s commitment to experiential learning, service and making a positive impact in the Spokane community.
Approved Workshops
Proposal for Houseplant Workshop
Designed by Jared Elder and Allison King (substitute facilitator: Kaatja Zylstra)
In this hands-on session, participants learned about spider plants and how to care for them. They decorated pots with personalized designs before planting their own spider plant. Open to youth of all genders, ages 10–17, the workshop encouraged environmental awareness and creative expression. Participants were invited to place their plant anywhere on the school floor—an act intended to foster ownership, pride and emotional well-being. Elder and Zylstra aimed to inspire environmental care while offering a calming outlet to support personal growth.
A Creative Outlet for Youth in Detention
Designed and led by Mireya Saathoff, Michelle Pereira, Isabella Smith and Ryan Bass
This creative workshop combined mindfulness with self-expression through origami and watercolor. Participants crafted origami frogs and dinosaurs and created personalized watercolor bookmarks, which they were allowed to keep. Open to all genders and youth ages 10–17, the session emphasized autonomy and personal choice. The experience offered young participants a rare opportunity to make decisions and express themselves, fostering a sense of presence, reflection and calm in a structured environment.
In Progress Workshop
Seeds of Hope
Designed by Luke Friesen, Olivia Reasoner, Avianna Ming and Brandy Valdovinos
This workshop is designed to foster hope and resourcefulness through hands-on learning with herbs. Participants will paint personalized pots and plant herbs that can be used to enhance meals. The session encourages creativity and culinary exploration, introducing youth to simple, affordable ways to “spice up” their food and develop life skills they can carry forward. Open to all genders and youth ages 10–17, the workshop promotes autonomy, nutrition awareness and a sense of ownership.
