How Education & Scholarships Can Help Transform Lives Of Juvenile Youth

Kids who grow up in juvenile detention centers perceive education and schooling in a different way than the normal kids for whom it’s a day of fun learning. These kids often have a scarring past and trauma which affects them on a day to day basis. With a life of difficulties, poverty, racism and a host of other issues that cannot even be imagined, education is not their highest priority at this time.

However having a quality education can nurture these youths and pave their way for a brighter future and leave all their past behind and to start a new life. 

Breaking Free 

Here is a story of Andrew, 

His journey began when he was placed in foster care due to his mother’s mental illness. Being subjected to different environments made it difficult for him to adapt. Foster system failed to provide him with a loving home environment which is needed for a child’s growth and mental wellbeing. A series of unfortunate events led him to commit felonies, ultimately landing him in state prison. 

Andrew was just another young male fulfilling the destiny society defined for him: broken-down family,  poor, uneducated, unemployed and unemployable. 

However, a pivotal moment during his incarceration sparked a desire for change.He enrolled in school and counseling and earned his GED and embarked on a path of self-improvement.This journey was a bed of rocks for Andrew,  he did not give up and continued to move forward with his education. With utmost determination and through the help of scholarships he made his way for an associate degree and later a BA in social work. 

Today, Andrew works at a county Youth Bureau, helping at-risk youth navigate challenges similar to those he once faced. His journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of believing in second chances. 

Education and its Importance

Education is the stepping stone for career advancement. With wide knowledge and skills individuals gain a competitive edge in the job market, which opens the door to a wide range of employment opportunities. Moreover, higher levels of education often translate to higher earning potential and job stability, providing a pathway to financial security and respect for an individual in society. 

For juvenile youth like Andrew, education served as a transformation, which helped him change his life and to break free from his criminal past.  

Long term benefits for society and short term benefits for youth which helps them proceed further in life can be achieved by education. Education contributes to social and economic progress by reducing the need for social welfare programs and fostering economic growth. 

Research has shown that education can have a positive impact on youths in juvenile detention centers. 

1. Reduced rates of Recidivism : Access to education in such detention facilities have been associated with positive outcomes for youth. There is a higher likelihood of returning to school after release. A study also showed that youth with higher educational achievements were more likely to return to school after release. 
2. Social harmony : Youths who get back to school after release are shown to have lower rates of recidivism. These findings suggest that education can play a very important role in nurturing youths which later contribute to positive reintegration  into society and reduced the likelihood of reoffending. 

A Ray of Hope 

Scholarships and financial support programs for juvenile youth can be a life changing opportunity.  Many scholarship programs aim to offer all the support the youth need in order to achieve their educational goals. These resources pave the way for their future and support them in multiple ways to help them build a career for themselves. 

We at the Second Chance Scholarship Foundation are committed to providing scholarships to youths who have been in conflict with the law or at risk. These scholarships will provide necessary assistance in completing a post-secondary education or trade. Additionally we provide support to convicted felons by raising money and necessary funds for study fees, books, electronics and other essential aids. We have also established libraries in youth facilities across the province.

Online Learning 

Online Learning rose during the time of the global pandemic making it easier to access learning options in your smartphone irrespective of age and background. Juvenile youth, in particular, benefit from online education programs, which allows them to focus on learning without having the fear of being judged. It also provides them with a flexibility to access learning modules from anywhere and at any time. 

Various universities and Educational institutions now provide courses which are 100% online mode  and the students can receive a certification of completion once graduated from the course. These online courses along with the scholarships can help benefit juvenile youth and make their educational profile more stronger and open them up to a wide range of job opportunities.  

Conclusion 

It is through education and scholarships that juvenile youth are able to change their lives and have a shot at a brighter future. By working together, we can break down barriers, empower communities and empower the next generation to succeed.

Join Second Chance Scholarship Foundation in supporting initiatives aimed at transforming lives of juvenile youth through education and scholarships. Together, we can make a difference—one student, one scholarship, at a time.

References : 

1. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/juvenile-justice-one-kid_b_795106
2. https://givingcompass.org/article/the-importance-of-high-quality-education-to-students-in-juvenile-detention
3. https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/model-programs-guide/literature-reviews/education_for_youth_under_formal_supervision_of_the_juvenile_justice_system.pdf
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21643669/
5. https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/juvenile-justice/