Gateway to Independence Program for Post-Secondary Education

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services offers the Gateway to Independence programing at all three of its Youth Development Centers, which are their secure juvenile facilities. The program is offered to all youth over 17 years old who have either completed high school, their GED, or have completed a certain amount of work toward either goal. Youth can participate in either online college courses, life skills classes, or certification programing. They also help the youth prepare for college entrance exams, visit and apply to college while in detention. .