Statement of Mission

The public mood toward young people being incarcerated for serious offenses is one of stiffer penalties and sentences. National and state leaders are improvising variations on the “three strikes and you’re out” theme. Clearly, these actions are not solutions to the complex problems confronting young people in the criminal justice system. Intervention programs must be designed to reclaim these young people from a system that does not work and place them in a supportive environment to pursue a viable career pathway.

The mission of the Incarcerated Education Program for New York State county correctional facilities is to increase the economic self–sufficiency of youth and adults after release and, thereby, reduce the likelihood of their repeat criminal behavior and recidivism. The New York State Education Department, Office of Workforce Preparation and Continuing Education, in collaboration with the New York State Association of Incarcerated Youth and Adult Programs, is committed to developing and implementing programs which will lead these young people toward productive lives on the job, with their families and friends, and in the community.