Compton College alumnus Joshua Jackson is honoring the legacy of paying it forward modeled by his beloved grandfather, a local bishop who organized a popular food pantry in Lawndale, California. While attending Compton College (class of 2017), Jackson served as Associated Student Government (ASG) president where he laid the groundwork for advocacy, leadership, and service, looking for ways to assist students in need.
“Attending Compton College was everything to me!” said Jackson. Having finished high school with a surprising 1.7 GPA due to several factors, including a difficult and uninspiring learning environment, Compton College helped me reassociate with education.”
Jackson earned a 4.0 GPA during his first semester at Compton College. Upon graduating from Compton College with an associate degree in political science, he transferred to UCLA, graduating in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in African American studies. He is currently researching universities for his graduate studies and plans to enroll in a master’s program to earn a degree in either public policy or social work.
Today, he is a college advisor at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles helping students forge their path in life, sometimes against the odds. This is more than a career to him; it’s something he is innately driven to do. Outside of his job, he often becomes a personal mentor to the students after they graduate from Crenshaw High. Some students still call him for advice while attending college and beyond. He makes himself available to them without question.
“As a college advisor working with high school students, I try to be similar to the faculty and staff role models I had at Compton College,” said Jackson. “I try to have that same kind of positive influence with students that my mentors did with me. They just cared. They listened, and they encouraged me through my doubts.”
During his second year at Compton College, Jackson met another student who shared his beliefs and passions. He and Dayshawn Louden, who served as ASG vice president, set out to see how they could enact positive change together through their roles in student government.
At a Compton College Brothers to Sisters Club meeting during the 2016-2017 school year, two students spoke up during a “Real Talk” session and shared they were homeless. This moment inspired Jackson and Louden to begin advocating for student housing and assistance with basic needs. They went to Compton College President Keith Curry with their ideas and information about many students they had talked with who were struggling with food and housing insecurity.
A Student Homeless Task Force was established to address housing, food, and basic needs for the student body and soon a food pantry opened on campus. Students were also invited to use the gymnasium showers, if needed, and were offered bathroom kits and supplies. Curry began the years-long process of researching funding avenues for on-campus student housing and then applying for a state grant through Assembly Bill 183.
Jackson admits that, as an alumnus, he feels a responsibility to support and stay involved at Compton College. “During my time as ASG president, the student council’s goal was to always keep the ‘community’ in community college,” he said. “Compton College has become a benchmark for student equity and access. I believe it is important for current and future student leaders and alumni to continue passing that legacy. I have a duty to utilize the platforms I’ve been given to bring light to this important work and the unsung heroes, and I take that very seriously.”
Coming full circle through their advocacy, which began eight years ago, both Jackson and Louden were invited to speak at Compton College’s recent groundbreaking ceremony for the new 250+ bed student housing facility being built on campus with a targeted completion date of summer 2027. The two remain close friends today and, along with other like-minded individuals, continue their service to others both inside and outside of their careers.
“My hope is that students and alumni are inspired in their own journey and also give back to the Compton College community,” said Jackson. “Leadership, advocacy, and paying it forward can bring so much fulfillment; your success can fuel the success of others. I’m hearing about many students having similar experiences to mine at Compton College, which lets me know it is truly a transformative and special place.”