Incarcerated Youth Graduate High School In Essex County: ‘Power Of Second Chances’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — An inspiring reminder of the “power of second chances” was recently put on display at a high school for incarcerated youth in Essex County.

Last week, nine students graduated from Sojourn High School, an alternative high school for at-risk youth who are in custody at the county’s juvenile detention center in Newark.

Established in 1997, the program serves classified and non-classified students – seeking to provide them with an “alternative to the traditional educational experience.” Students earn credits toward graduation by showing proficiency in a curriculum based on the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and the student’s individual program plan or individual educational program.

The Essex County Juvenile Detention Center has an 8,000-book library on site and provides a full, 6.5-hour school day for detainees.

On June 24, a ceremony was held for the latest graduates at Sojourn High School, with families getting a chance to attend and cheer for their loved ones.

Wearing caps and gowns from their respective hometown schools, the graduates thanked their families and teachers and shared their gratitude for getting a chance to finish their high school educations.

One student who earned his diploma from Wayne Valley High School thanked his mother and father for their support, as well as “my people for pushing me to be somewhere better and make better choices.”

“I want to thank you all for being here today and for pushing me in the right way,” agreed another student, who earned his diploma from Abraham Clark High School.

“I want to say thank you to my teachers for not giving up on me – even when I gave up on myself,” said a teen who received a diploma from Bridgeton High School, also crediting his mother for pushing him to attend classes.

“Being here isn’t what I pictured for myself, but I learned that growth can happen anywhere, even behind these walls,” he added.

Other diplomas were received from Millville High School, Eastside High School and East Orange Campus High School.

Latee Walton-McCleod, superintendent of the Essex Regional Educational Services Commission, praised the nine students and said their achievement is inspirational.

“Today, I stand before you, not just as a superintendent, but as someone who deeply believes in the power of second chances,” Walton-McCleod said.

“Your strength, your resilience are a testament to the light that education brings, even in the darkest of spaces,” Walton-McCleod continued. “You have done something powerful in the face of obstacles, you choose not to give up, you choose to keep growing, you choose to keep learning, and you choose to keep showing up every day.”

“We are committed to ensuring that every young person in our juvenile detention center has access to quality education and meaningful opportunities for growth,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“Graduation is more than just a ceremony – it is a powerful reminder that with support, determination and hard work, a brighter future is always possible,” DiVincenzo added.

• See Related: Dozens Of 'Freedom Libraries' Built At 2 State Prisons In New Jersey

JOB TRAINING

As part of their educations, students at Sojourn High School get a chance to train for a future career in the construction industry.

According to a news release from the county:

“Students at Sojourn High School at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center have options to earn industry-recognized certifications to secure a job in the construction field upon release in addition to college credits from Essex County College. The SIM LOG Vocational Program is made of three machine networked simulator stations that replicate the functionality of a hydraulic excavator, bulldozer, and wheel loader to teach machine operation skills. Each simulation station is equipped with a steering wheel, gear shift, and/or foot pedals.”

In 2019, Sojourn High School became the first in the state to have such a program, officials said.

• See Related: Prison Inmates In Essex County Get Job Training, Education
• See Related: Renew This Federal Program That Boosts Ex-Inmates, NJ Senator Urges

POTENTIAL SCHOOL FUNDING

Earlier this year, two state lawmakers who represent towns in Essex County announced that $1 million has been earmarked to support the Essex Regional Education Services Commission (ERESC) in the proposed state budget.

According to its website, the ERESC runs three special education and alternative schools (Essex Junior Academy K-8, Essex Campus Academy, and Essex High School), as well as programming at Sojourn High School (grades 7 to 12).

New Jersey Sen. Renee Burgess (NJ-28) and Assemblyman Mike Venezia (NJ-34), who sponsored a budget resolution for the funding, said it would be a big boost for students who face chronic disciplinary challenges, adjudication and other high-risk behaviors.

“Making these investments to upgrade ERESC’s building stock, security measures and backup and emergency power systems will enhance the learning experience for all students,” Burgess said.

“Further, these allocations will allow our teachers and staff to concentrate their energies on the very important business of educating our young people without having to worry about the security of their classrooms or other disruptions that might interrupt the flow of ideas,” the senator added.

Venezia said the funds would be an investment in students’ futures.

“This funding goes beyond infrastructure,” he said. “It's about creating a secure space where students and staff can focus on learning and growth.”

“Every student and educator deserves to feel safe in their school,” Venezia added.

• See Related: 4 Essex County Schools Serving At-Risk Students Could Get $1M In Funds
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