Orange, Cali., July 3, 2024 –  In the ever-evolving landscape of juvenile rehabilitation, the College Occupational Program (COP) at Orange County Probation Department’s Juvenile Hall seeks to transform lives one class at a time.

At the heart of COP are dedicated officers, tirelessly orchestrating educational opportunities for any Youth who is willing to commit to the betterment their future. With a focus on traditional, vocational, and technical education, the COP strives to equip youth aged 13-24 in custody with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful reintegration into society.

Since the COP’s inception in Fall 2020, a total of 137 youth have chosen to enroll in community college courses to work towards earning their degree. As a testament to the COP’s success, an astounding total of 771 college credits have been awarded to youth in the program. Although stays in juvenile hall vary, the average amount of college credits earned by a youth enrolled in the COP is 9.18. Over 71% of youth who participate in the COP earn a passing grade in their coursework.

“I consider myself a ‘hope installer’,” shares Colleen Byrne, a Deputy Probation Correctional Officer (DPCO) assigned to the COP program at Orange County Juvenile Hall, reflecting the sentiment echoed by many involved. Through meticulous planning and collaboration, COP facilitates avenues for incarcerated youth to nurture their aspirations through a variety of college courses.

Some course subjects that have had high interest include geography, sociology, and psychology. Other subjects offered include business, public speaking, communications, Chicano, and Ethnic Studies. Many youth have even considered careers in law enforcement and the legal field, after having walked so closely to the system and understanding the importance of these fields in people’s lives. Youth also have opted for courses in holistic development and life skills, such as effective parenting, workforce readiness, composition, and attitude for success.

With the guidance of COP officers, students even get monitored access to the internet. Here, COP officers guide them through research skills to find out facts and use resources for their individual projects in the college classroom. Youth have even collectively requested to introduce lab courses with more hands-on work and pathways to careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

In California, where opportunities abound through specially funded programs, the possibilities are limitless. With universities and colleges actively engaging in reentry initiatives, the path to higher education becomes a reality for those willing to seize it. Some participating universities includes the University of California (UC) System, California State University (CSU) System, and local Southern Californian community colleges.

But beyond individual triumphs lie broader implications. By offering college courses within institutional bounds, COP not only empowers youth but also lays the groundwork for reduced recidivism rates.

“Education is a game-changer,” asserts Kunal Patel, a Supervising Probation Correctional Officer assigned to COP, emphasizing the pivotal role of programs like COP in steering youth away from cycles of crime towards responsible and productive futures. “Economic stability is essential for the success of youth outside Juvenile Hall”. One additional course offered was “Money Matters” where youth learn principles of fiscal responsibility as core tenants of becoming an adult.

Yet, its significance extends far beyond statistics. Patel opines, “COP fosters a culture of empowerment, instilling confidence and self-worth in individuals who dare to dream beyond their circumstances”. By providing access to education, the COP dismantles barriers, promotes equity, and furthers social justice by placing the ownership of progress on the youth themselves.

The Orange County Probation Department received three awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), including the COP. Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county government programs and services. Through a non-competitive application process, innovative programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities. The Orange County Probation Department received its award for COP in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety categories.

The COP program is proof that if you believe in your youth, they will rise to the occasion. Collaborating with educational institutions, tapping into available resources, and witnessing the transformative potential of investing in young lives are essential practices. Education is not just a privilege but a fundamental right and is capable of reshaping trajectories for our youth.