Abstract
This study examined the perceptions of second year MSW students at California State University, Sacramento on how various characteristics created the school to prison pipeline. The study utilized a quantitative survey research design that asked participants to respond to a Likert scale questionnaire to measure the attitudes of participants. Participants (n=60) were selected via convenience sampling method. The data analysis revealed that there are associations between different elements of the participants’ perspectives and demographics. One significant finding is that participants viewed that the various characteristics of the pipeline such as race, gender, disciplinary methods, community and behavior and mental health do have an impact on the likelihood students will experience the function of the pipeline. This finding was correlated with a higher level of awareness of how the school to prison pipeline affects students as well as an understanding of the connection between schools and the criminal justice system. Implications for social work practice and policy are discussed.