Report on Educational and Vocational Achievements within the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

Introduction and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) held a graduation ceremony celebrating the academic and vocational achievements of 146 students. This initiative directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing pathways to continued learning and economic stability for a vulnerable youth population. The program’s success underscores a commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Graduation and Higher Education Outcomes (SDG 4: Quality Education)

The ceremony recognized 146 students who demonstrated significant resilience and determination in completing their secondary education. This achievement is a foundational step towards ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

1. Total Graduates: 146 students received either a high school diploma or a GED.
2. Higher Education Enrollment: 67 of these graduates were enrolled in college courses during the 2024-2025 academic year.
3. University Partnerships (SDG 17): This was facilitated through key partnerships with Allen University, South Carolina State University, and Voorhees University.

These outcomes provide students with the necessary qualifications for further education and improved life chances, directly addressing the targets of SDG 4.

Vocational Training and Employment Integration (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)

In addition to academic success, the DJJ program places a strong emphasis on vocational training to promote full and productive employment. By equipping students with marketable skills, the program contributes to sustainable economic growth and reduces inequality (SDG 10).

• Job Training Enrollment: 129 students were enrolled in various job training programs.
• Employment Secured: 47 students have already secured employment, transitioning directly into the workforce.
• Forklift Certification: 145 students obtained forklift certification, a valuable credential in logistics and manufacturing sectors.
• Flagger Certification: 247 students received flagger certification for roles in traffic control and road safety.

Institutional Impact and Long-Term Success (SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

The success of the Class of 2025 was achieved despite institutional challenges, including staffing shortages and an increasingly complex student population. The DJJ’s focus on rehabilitation and education strengthens its role as an effective and accountable institution under SDG 16. By providing viable alternatives to reoffending, the program contributes to more peaceful and inclusive societies.

The long-term data indicates sustained institutional effectiveness, with the DJJ having graduated a total of 1,150 students over the past nine years. This success is credited to the collaborative effort of DJJ staff, families, and a wider community of supporters, exemplifying the multi-stakeholder partnerships essential to achieving the SDGs (SDG 17).

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
     
     The article highlights that 146 students received either a high school diploma or a GED, which directly corresponds to the completion of secondary education.
   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
     
     This is addressed by the 67 graduates who were attending college through partnerships with Allen, South Carolina State, and Voorhees universities.
   • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
     
     The article mentions that 129 students enrolled in job training programs, 145 received forklift certification, and 247 received flagger certification, all of which are relevant vocational skills for employment.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people.
     
     The program’s success is demonstrated by the fact that 47 graduates have already secured jobs.
   • Target 8.6: By 2030, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET).
     
     The entire initiative described in the article is focused on moving youth within the juvenile justice system into education (diplomas, GEDs, college), training (certifications), and employment, directly combating the issue of youth being NEET.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of age… or other status.
     
     The program empowers a vulnerable group of young people within the justice system by providing them with education and job skills, thereby promoting their social and economic reintegration into society and reducing inequality.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
     
     The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), as an institution, is demonstrating a focus on rehabilitation and education rather than purely punitive measures. This approach contributes to a more restorative form of justice for youth, giving them opportunities to succeed after their time in the system. The graduation of 1,150 students over nine years shows a sustained institutional commitment.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. For SDG 4 (Quality Education)

   • Indicator: Number of students completing secondary education.
     
     The article provides the figure of 146 students earning a high school diploma or GED.
   • Indicator: Number of students enrolled in tertiary education.
     
     The article states that 67 graduates were attending college.
   • Indicator: Number of youth and adults with vocational skills.
     
     The article provides specific numbers: 129 students in job training, 145 with forklift certification, and 247 with flagger certification.

2. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

   • Indicator: Number of youth securing employment.
     
     The article mentions that 47 graduates have secured jobs.
   • Indicator: Number of youth engaged in education or training.
     
     The article implies this through the various counts of students in college, job training, and certification programs, all of whom are not “NEET.”

3. For SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

   • Indicator: Number of individuals from vulnerable groups (youth in the justice system) who have successfully completed educational or vocational programs.
     
     The total of 146 graduates serves as a direct indicator of the program’s success in empowering this specific group.

4. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

   • Indicator: Number of individuals benefiting from rehabilitative justice programs over time.
     
     The article states that the DJJ has had 1,150 students graduate over the past nine years, indicating a long-term institutional effort towards rehabilitation.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wltx.com