Jail-to-School Pipeline, Friends of Island Academy

Friends’ Jail-to-School Pipeline was developed in collaboration with the New York City Department of Education to reverse the trend of young people leaving Rikers Island, only to be delayed, discouraged, or prevented from re-enrolling in school.

Through the Pipeline project, advocates meet with 16 – 17 year old students on Rikers Island and staff from the school on Rikers to determine the youths’ individual needs and goals, and to work towards reducing the amount of time it takes for students to return to high school. Youth advocates continue to support the adolescents’ educational enrollment and academic advancement after release.