Volunteer Opportunity

CAPSTONE PROJECT – Research & Planning – Racial and ethnic disparities analysis

Application or Registration Deadline:

12/05/2025

Opportunity Type:

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity

Department:

Community Services

Category:

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Time Commitment and Minimum Age:

5-10 hours per week, depending on intern/volunteer

Location:

The bulk of the work can be completed virtually after training with staff at Boulder Justice Center 1777 Canyon Blvd., Boulder.

Program Summary:

Boulder County Community Justice Services provides humane and constructive community-based interventions, education, alternatives to incarceration, and reparation to the community for criminal behavior. Our commitment is to assist individuals in functioning lawfully and constructively in the community while ensuring public safety.

The Research and Planning unit provides in-depth professional analysis of current trends and data from CJS programs in the jail, local community programs that intersect with the justice system and statewide data.

This Capstone Project objective is to better understand racial and ethnic disparities across decision points in the justice system, how Boulder County compares to Colorado overall, and what trends are seen over time. Depending on the requirements of your course, we are flexible about assisting with your final reports/summary/project.

If the current analysis is complete by the time we receive an application, other data may need compilation and analysis. Check with the JSVP coordinator for updates. Email Mary at: meldred@bouldercounty.gov

Duties and Responsibilities:

Generate data from online dashboards on racial and ethnic disparities at key decision points in the justice system, accurately enter data into Excel spreadsheets, conduct analysis and create graphs of major findings. Research strategies to reduce disparities. Create power point presentation summarizing data and recommendations.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Detail oriented person with an interest in research, analysis, and the criminal justice system. Ability to take direction, have patience, work independently, and ask questions as needed. Confidentiality and integrity with information is critical. Basic Excel and data graphing skills are important. Must be 21 years of age. Must agree to and pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting. The bulk of the work may be completed virtually after training, with occasional in-person meetings required throughout the 4-month commitment.

Time Required: 5 hours per week for 3-4 months (for a total of approximately 80 hours). Work hours can be flexible/hybrid within normal office hours during training period. Hours are negotiable after training is completed and can be adjusted to meet school schedule and requirements.

Training Dates and Information:

Training and ongoing supervision happens individually.

A general orientation to the Justice System is offered and an introduction to relevant dashboards and research sites are discussed with R&P staff.

Additional Information:

Excellent opportunity to contribute to an important field of data and research. Learn about the justice system and the demographics of the populations involved, as well as strategies for reducing disparities.

Contact:

Mary Eldred, Justice System Volunteer Program Coordinator

EMAIL: meldred@bouldercounty.gov

Telephone: 303-441-3718

Se habla español.

For more information about Community Justice Services go to our website:

https://bouldercounty.gov/departments/community-services/community-justice-services/

Application Process:

Send an email of interest to meldred@bouldercounty.gov noting R&P Capstone project. You will receive application instructions and an online link.

The application requires a resume and three professional/academic/avocational references.

Background check and fingerprinting are required.

Once received, JSVP staff will run background checks and vet the applicants.

All completed documents go to R&P staff who will make final decisions on formal interviews. The candidate who is offered and accepts the position must be fingerprinted at the Justice Center prior to onboarding and training.