Incarcerated Education: Youth and Adult Programming

OC Justice Center, 555 S. State St, Syracuse, New York 13202

Onondaga County Justice Center Incarcerated Youth and Adult Education Programs 

The Syracuse City School District's educational initiatives for young adults and adults are a commitment to rehabilitation and community reintegration. By providing accessible educational opportunities and tailored support, the district empowers individuals to break the cycle of recidivism and forge a path toward fulfilling, successful lives. SCSD's commitment to providing educational opportunities for all, regardless of their past, is a testament to the power of education to transform lives and build stronger communities.

These initiatives serve a dual purpose:

1. Equipping individuals with essential skills: The programs offer education and training that help learners develop critical skills, such as literacy, numeracy, and CTE programming. These skills enhance employability and open doors to various career pathways.

2. Fostering personal growth and responsible citizenship: Beyond academics, SCSD focuses on promoting personal development, civic engagement, and positive decision-making. This holistic approach encourages learners to become active contributors to their communities and make choices that lead to positive outcomes.

Ultimately, the district's efforts strive to reduce recidivism rates and create a safer, more prosperous community for everyone. By investing in the education and well-being of thosse who have faced challenges, the district paves the way for transformative change and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential.

In addition to reducing recidivism, these programs likely yield other positive outcomes, such as:

• Increased self-esteem and confidence among participants.
• Improved family relationships and stability.
• Enhanced community engagement and social cohesion.
• Reduced strain on the criminal justice system and social services.

Incarcerated youth face unique challenges, but educational initiatives like Virtual High School, High School Equivalency, ESL, and Pre-employment programs offer them vital opportunities for growth and transformation.  

SCSD Virtual High School (Distance Education)

SCSD Virtual High School (VHS) delivers flexible, distance education courses, allowing incarcerated youth to continue to earn their high school diploma despite confinement. The goal of this program is to assist students from any district to contiinue with class work and exams needed to complete required coursework. Reasonable special education IEP and 504 accomodations are provided.

Students are provided with:
1. A Transitional Case Manager who supports the student with needs between the high school and coursework.
2. A NYSED Certified Special Education Teacher who updates and implements Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and is an advocate.
3. One-on-one teacher support with a NYSED certified teacher and assistance from high school educators attached to high schools.
4. Case mangement support for reentering the community based resources and to high school.
5. Educational support even if they are not allowed to be in a traditional educational classroom setting.

How a student enrolls in the VHS Program:
Students under 21 are reached out to by SCSD staff within 10 days of their arrival. School is not mandatory, but we highly encourage students to come and stay engaged. We also encourage parents and families to encourage the student to attend.

High School Equivalency (HSE)- Also Known as the GED

The HSE program leads students to take the  GED (General Education Development) as an alternative path to high school completion. For incarcerated youth, HSE programs can accelerate their education, building the foundation needed for post-release success.  The program is for students who are credit deficient and do not wish to obtain a traditional high school diploma. These students work in-class or at the pod on reading, writing, social studies, science and mathematics GED curriculum. 

HSE Remediation

New York State Education Department (NYSED) expects that all students who are under a high school level (9th grade) in reading and math be given remediation support prior to being considered an HSE student. The teachers will work with students on reading and math skills first to show foundational education success. 

How a student enrolls in the HSE Program:
Students under 21 are reached out to by SCSD staff within 10 days of their arrival. School is not mandatory, but we highly encourage students to come and stay engaged. We also encourage parents and families to encourage the student to attend. We always want a student to continue with the tyraditional high school education route, if possible.

 

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Reentry Programming and Preemployment

Reentry Programming

These programs are designed to be a crucial part of preparing individuals for a successful return to society. They equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for a smooth transition and reintegration into the community. The curriculum focuses on fostering positive change, enhancing critical thinking skills, promoting a positive mindset and ethical decision-making, and encouraging a healthy respect for rules and regulations. The program is versatile and can be adapted for use by various correctional facilities and reentry programs at national, state, and local levels.

Preemployment Programming
Pre-employment programs focus on building crucial soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Additionally, they provide opportunities for career exploration, helping individuals discover their interests and potential career paths. By enhancing employability and fostering self-sufficiency, these programs empower incarcerated youth to secure gainful employment upon release and build a fulfilling life in the community.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs