Education Revolutionizes Lives of Incarcerated Youth in Oregon

As Joy Koenig, the principal of Three Lakes High School and Riverside High School, aptly put it, "Education is power. Education is money. It is the confidence booster that allows them to say I have a degree, and when they leave, they can make a living wage." Under her leadership, the schools have added about 30 programs to help incarcerated students receive vocational certifications, GEDs, and high school diplomas, and even college degrees. The outcome is remarkable, with 59 high school diplomas or GEDs, six college degrees, and 206 professional licenses or certifications awarded to Oregon youth in custody so far in the 2024-25 school year.

Key Takeaways:

• 39 men who were formerly incarcerated have filed civil lawsuits alleging they were abused by the facility's chief doctor between 2002 and 2016, highlighting the need for reform and accountability in the Oregon Youth Authority.
• 17-year-old Zoey had been in and out of correctional custody and rehab before coming to the Oak Creek facility, where she earned her GED, CPR, first aid, and construction apprenticeship certificates, and now has a plan for her life outside of the system.
• K.J., an 18-year-old, also earned her GED and is interested in pursuing photography and psychology, demonstrating the potential for personal growth and development through education.
• The Oak Creek facility, along with the Jackie Winters Transition Program, serves girls and has seen significant success in providing education and skills training to its students.
• Oregon Youth Authority adopted a developmental approach to learning in 2014, which prioritizes creating positive environments to help youth develop educational skills and skills related to emotional regulation, decision-making, and cooperation.
• Jennifer Falzerano, the youth authority's statewide education coordinator, emphasizes that connecting youth to educational programs is the key indicator of reducing recidivism.
• According to the RAND research organization, incarcerated individuals who participate in correctional education programs have 43% lower odds of returning to prison than those who do not.

Statistics:

• 59 high school diplomas or GEDs, six college degrees, and 206 professional licenses or certifications awarded to Oregon youth in custody so far in the 2024-25 school year.
• 900 youth convicted of crimes under 18 are being supervised by the Oregon Youth Authority, highlighting the scope of the issue and the need for effective education and rehabilitation programs.
• 17-year-old October, who was heavily involved in drugs before entering Oak Creek two years ago, became the first in her family to graduate high school, emphasizing the transformative power of education.

Sources:

• Oregon Youth Authority's Public Documents, "At A Glance" (2014)
• Oregon Capital Chronicle, "Youth discuss education, goals" (2025)
• Oregonian/OregonLive, "Grand jury convened to investigate conditions, complaints at Oregon's youth prison" (2025)
• RAND research organization, "Corrections Education" (2013)
• Oregon Youth Authority, Statewide Education Coordinator Jennifer Falzerano, interview (2025)