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
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 too many of […]
New partnership tools-up justice-impacted learners to prepare for trades careers upon reentry
A learner is immersed in Interplay Learning’s Electrical course, gaining essential skills in electrical theory, circuit design, testing, and safety. Soon, he will take HVAC and plumbing courses to boost his resume with additional trade skills to increase his prospects for sustainable employment upon reentry. What makes this learner different from other students entering into […]
Larry Miller’s Remarkable Story of Resilience and Redemption
Larry Miller’s journey from the streets to the boardroom is one of resilience, redemption, and inspiration. As the Chairman of Nike’s Jordan Brand, and former team president of the Portland Trail Blazers, his story shines a light on the transformative power of education, second chances, and the importance of shattering stigmas associated with the justice-impacted. […]
Warren’s Journey from Orijin Learner to Justice-Impacted Leader
When Warren Allen was transferred to a juvenile detention center in Washington, D.C., as part of a resentencing agreement, he found the max block in disarray. In a block holding 160 young men, only two phones worked, and access to them was tightly controlled by competing factions. Just one TV worked, and the only ball […]
