John Spinks Jr. is Project Manager with Oakridge Neighborhood, managing its 21st Century Community Learning Center. The Center provides a much-needed source of support to youth in the community through a continuum of after-school and out-of-school programming focusing on the academic, social, emotional and enrichment needs of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. John joined Oakridge Neighborhood in 2012 as community/Des Moines Public Schools liaison. He previously served at Children & Families of Iowa and Orchard Place/PACE.
A native of Fort Meade, Florida, John attended Highland Community College and Drake University. He holds an Associates of Arts degree in criminal justice and a Bachelor of Science in Education. He serves on Iowa’s Disproportionate Minority Contact committee. John believes the most meaningful aspect of his work is seeing youth in Oakridge Neighborhood programs graduate high school and become successful in the community with college and work.