In a remarkable turn of events, 20-year-old Judah Garrison, a committed youth at the Secure Youth Treatment Facility (SYTF) in the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center, recently celebrated a significant milestone: his graduation from Laney College. Judah’s extraordinary accomplishment not only highlights his academic success but also showcases his unwavering determination and leadership qualities.

Despite the challenges of being incarcerated, Judah Garrison defied the odds and emerged as a trailblazer within the SYTF community. With discipline, focus, and resiliency as his guiding principles, Judah became a quiet leader who inspired and motivated his peers. His commitment to personal growth and academic excellence set him apart.

On May 26, 2023, Judah Garrison stood tall among his fellow graduates as he received his associate degree in African American Studies from Laney College. This momentous occasion marked the first time a student from SYTF had graduated from a community college. Judah’s remarkable achievement serves as a testament to his determination and the transformative power of education.

Judah’s dedication to his studies not only benefited him personally but also had a profound impact on his peers. By demonstrating the importance of discipline and perseverance, he inspired others to pursue their own educational goals. Judah’s accomplishments have reshaped the perceptions and possibilities for youth within the SYTF, instilling a sense of hope and ambition in their hearts.

Judah Garrison’s outstanding qualities earned him a unique opportunity. He became the first youth in SYTF to be employed through the Raising Leaders program—a remarkable employment and internship initiative for system-involved youth. This achievement further showcased Judah’s abilities to overcome adversity and exemplify leadership in a real-world setting.

Building upon his success, Judah aspires to continue his educational journey at California State University, East Bay in the fall of 2023. With his sights set on higher education, he aims to pursue further studies and broaden his horizons. Judah’s determination to transcend the boundaries of his current circumstances exemplifies his unwavering commitment to personal growth and success.

Judah Garrison’s story is one of resilience, inspiration, and triumph. As a committed youth at SYTF, he defied expectations and achieved what no one before him had accomplished—an associate degree from a community college. Judah’s unwavering determination, combined with his leadership qualities, has not only left a lasting impact on his peers but also serves as a beacon of hope for other system-involved youth. With his eyes firmly fixed on the future, Judah sets out on his next adventure—university education at California State University, East Bay—proving that no obstacle is insurmountable when armed with ambition and dedication.