LA Public Defender’s Office and County Justice Leaders Partner with LA Mission College to Launch Education Program for Justice-Involved Youth
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, LA Superior Court, and the Los Angeles Community College District, has announced the launch of the groundbreaking College and Career Pathway Program (CCPP). This initiative aims to offer justice-involved youth, aged 16 to 18, an alternative to a criminal record by providing them the opportunity to earn a college certificate or degree.
“For many justice-involved youth, traditional education has failed them. CCPP is about changing the course of a young person’s life by providing an alternative,” said Ricardo D. García, Los Angeles County Public Defender. “This program offers a second chance—an opportunity to gain education and career skills, and break the cycle that often pulls youth deeper into the justice system. We are committed to giving our youth the hope and opportunity to build a brighter future.”
The CCPP is designed to divert young people from the criminal legal system by offering them an educational pathway instead of prosecution. Through this program, eligible participants will enroll in one of the nine Los Angeles Community Colleges and receive cost-free wrap-around services, including academic and mental health counseling, financial aid, tutoring, and workforce development resources. Successful completion of the program could result in the dismissal of their case, allowing participants to move forward without the burden of a criminal record.
District Attorney George Gascón highlighted the transformative potential of the program: “The CCPP provides a life-changing alternative for youth accused of crimes. By investing in education rather than punishment, we are equipping these young people with the tools they need to build a better future and avoid the criminal justice system altogether.”
During juvenile court proceedings, youth will be evaluated by all five partnering agencies to determine their eligibility for the program. Once selected, they will work toward completing their chosen field of study with full support from the community college and partner agencies.
Chief Probation Officer Viera-Rosa emphasized the value of education for justice-involved youth: “This partnership with our county agencies opens the doors of higher education, allowing these young individuals to access greater opportunities and career options, setting them on a path to successful and productive futures.”
Sara Hernandez, 2nd Vice President of the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees, added: “By offering educational pathways across our nine colleges, we are providing essential support to help youth become educated, employable, and empowered members of society.”
The launch of CCPP underscores the collective commitment of LA County’s justice and educational leaders to providing justice-involved youth with second chances and prioritizing rehabilitation through education rather than punishment.
