The Origins of Creek To College

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Roll back to 2005. There were no further educational opportunities available at Long Creek Youth Development past a HS diploma or GED. Juvenile offenders were not viewed as “college material”. Many had dropped out or had been expelled. College was rarely if ever an expectation; systemic family dynamics, and there was zero encouragement. Most residents never thought they were capable of post-secondary education.  

In 2006, out of the dust bin, a group of incarcerated youngsters raised their voices to ask about educational opportunities related to careers that interested them. In response to their curiosity, a small cadre of volunteers began meeting with residents to discuss their future goals, possible career choices, and programs available in higher education. This led to talks with the Long Creek Youth Development administration about ways for residents to take college classes while still incarcerated.

A few carefully selected individuals were approved to enroll in daytime classes at nearby colleges. Students were dropped off for classes and driven back to the Long Creek directly afterwards. These pioneering students exhibited flawless behavior while at their classes, worked extremely hard, and got all A’s. Their success surprised many people, including themselves and their peers at Long Creek. 

As a result: 

• Online classes at LCYD were initiated

• College professors were invited in to teach semester-long courses to larger groups, including those not allowed off-grounds.

• Volunteers tutored, mentored, brainstormed career paths • • Volunteers helped navigate the system of college applications, programming, and financial aid.

Within the first two years, over fifty incarcerated youth had passed a college class! Many had passed two or three different classes, and almost all had achieved As and Bs. The results were nothing less than extraordinary.