How I.G.N.I.T.E. Educators in Alpena County Are Sparking a Culture Shift
By Jaime Crespo In a small Michigan jail, something meaningful is happening. You can see it in the way learners show up early for class. You can feel it in the encouragement they give each other. And if you ask the educators behind it, they’ll tell you—it’s not just about passing a test. It’s about […]
How Alameda County Uses Orijin to Drive Positive Youth Behavior and Rehabilitation
By Jaime Crespo With a facility capacity of 300 beds, the team, which leads the Alameda Juvenile Justice Center, is proud to report that their population now hovers between just 42 and 60 youth. That decline isn’t by accident. It’s intentional, and the result of bold changes, collaborative systems, and an embrace of innovative technology […]
The Motivation Before Momentum
By Brittany Wouden, UX Lead For justice-impacted learners, staying motivated is not a given. It’s a daily challenge and yet it’s one of the most important factors in building a future beyond incarceration. Motivation isn’t just about feeling inspired. It’s about sustaining effort toward long-term goals, like gaining new skills, earning credentials, and preparing for […]
Why Motivation and Engagement Are Essential in Correctional Education
By Dr. Amy Lopez Education is a proven pathway to opportunity, but for justice-impacted learners, staying motivated and engaged presents unique challenges. In traditional classrooms, students have a variety of support systems, from teachers and peers to family encouragement. In correctional settings, however, the learning environment is vastly different. Disruptions, restrictions, and a lack of […]
Tennessee Pilot Program Changing Lives and Filling Workforce Gaps
By Jaime Crespo A new partnership between Orijin, ToolingU-SME, Smith County Jail, the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board, The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS), and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Tennessee Office of Reentry, is transforming reentry by harnessing the power of education and workforce development. Together, we […]
Meet Orijin’s Hope Dealer
By Jaime Crespo At Orijin, we believe in the power of second chances and the remarkable potential that lies within every individual. Antonio Arnett, one of our most inspiring team members, is a living testament to this belief. Known at Orijin as the “Swiss Army Knife,” for his myriad skills, Arnett’s journey from incarceration to […]
Hancock County Jail: Sowing Seeds of Hope for Justice-Impacted Individuals
By Jaime Crespo Under the leadership of Sheriff Brad Burkhart and Jail Navigator Crystal Petty, Hancock County Jail has become a model for transformative correctional practices in Indiana. Their commitment to providing high-quality educational and vocational programs is playing a pivotal role in rehabilitating and rebuilding lives. At the heart of this is the integration […]
Orijin Unveils White Paper on the Imperative to Enhance GED Access for Incarcerated Individuals
By Amy Lopez, Ed.D In an era that has seen national initiatives such as the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA), No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), you might assume that all Americans have a high school diploma, or high school equivalency. If only that was the case. It’s […]
Isme’s Journey: From Incarceration to Inspiration
As we continue to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Isme Chavez’s story of resilience and transformation highlights the profound impact of mental health on personal growth and change for justice-impacted individuals. Growing up, Chavez, 30, faced physical and emotional abuse, abandonment, and sexual abuse at a young age. Her turbulent childhood led her to run […]
Rodney Brown Writes a New Chapter in His Life Story with Orijin by His Side
By Jaime Crespo Rodney Brown was 24 years into his 28-year sentence, when he was introduced to Orijin — an encounter which would serve as a pivotal moment in his life. Up until that point, he had never been exposed to any sort of educational programming or job training other than basic GED prep. Like […]
