An author, motivational speaker and a fiery crusader for equal opportunities and access in at-risk schools and neighborhoods, Dr. Steve Perry, MSW parlayed his activism and scholastic achievements into a CNN feature (“Black In America”), a weekly contributor role for the news network and appearances on MSNBC and TV One that earned him the title of “Most Trusted Educator.”

As Founder and Principal of Capital Prepatory Magnet School in Hartford, Conn., Perry has ensured that 100 percent of the campus’ first-generation high school graduates have enrolled at four-year universities annually since 2006. Perry has recently joined ABC’s Daymond John (Shark Tank) and Bishop T.D. Jakes to develop curriculum at The T.D. Jakes School of Leadership (TDJ-SOL, http://tdjakesleadership.com/ ). Through a partnership with Regent university, the online business and leadership-focused learning institute offers specialized certificate programs for retirees, transitioning employees and professionals.

The courses, such as The Women’s Leadership Institute and The Daymond John Certificate of Entrepreneurship, are designated to help adults maintain a competitive edge as employees in an increasingly global and tech-savvy marketplace.

In a recent phone interview, Perry shared his views on the acknowledged “school-to-prison pipeline,” his reasons for joining TDJ-SOL and what today’s kids need for present and future success:

Why are you a part of TDJ-SOL and how does it help the community and workforce?

“I am inspired by Bishop Jakes and his desire to provide access to those following their dreams. He is a highly successful and deeply-committed man who giving access to leadership and business skills that people can access and develop from their own homes. Each of us [instructors and developers] are entrepreneurs in our own way and we teach professional development and host conferences that can help those at any level, from the seasoned pro to those just wanting a career change. If you want people to invest in you, you need to invest in yourself first and these courses can be an important part of that enhancement.”

A MN school Superintendent now requires that teachers seek permission to suspend non-violent Black and Hispanic students. Do you think that’s a good way to resolve the disproportionate numbers that enforce stricter penalties for students of color?

“If she [Bernadeia Johnson] has people working for her who can’t tell the difference between a child acting badly and another that truly needs to be suspended, they need to be retrained or fired. Period. I’m a principal who suspends and sometimes Black mothers will say to me, ‘I thought you were supposed to be helping Black boys, so why did you suspend my Black son?’ ‘Because he acted like he had no sense, that’s why! And if you can’t get your child to act like he belongs in school, he’ll be expelled. Some parents think that [avoiding punishment] is the way to build up a child’s self-esteem, but you can’t do that with bad behavior.”

What should parents be telling their kids about navigating in today’s more competitive world?

“Young people need to develop their work ethic: getting an education demonstrates to others that you’re willing to work for what you want in life. They also need to be likeable, because people will help who they like and they need to find a way to get along with and work well with others. If they stay hungry and remain humble, the rest will take care of itself.”