New program helps youth in justice system earn high school diplomas

The target youth will be those ages 16 and older who are unlikely to return to an alternative or traditional classroom, said Christine McAfee, juvenile division supervisor with the county probation department,

Classes are set to start Wednesday, also the first day of school for Monroe County Community School Corp. The school corporation is a partner in the new program, along with the county probation department and Family Solutions, a private, not-for-profit agency.

“I think it is a way to show that our school system is not giving up on them,” Monroe County Community Schools Adult Education Director Rob Moore said. The goal of the classes are to help the students earn a high school diploma as well as other professional certifications and education training such as in Microsoft Office or manufacturing.

The plan is to offer instruction from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Friday during the school year.

MCCSC will provide the instructors. Family Solutions will provide the space for the classes. County probation will provide the students.