Graduates of The Reintegration Academy are Extraordinary Students

Pomona, CA– Last Sunday 28 young people successfully completed their coursework at the Reintegration Academy a program hosted at Cal Poly Pomona under the leadership of Dr Redford Reese. The Reintegration Academy, is an extraordinarily unique10-week program with the aim of assisting formerly incarcerated young people who were non-sexual, non-violent offenders with gaining the life skills necessary to keep from going back to prison. By the 10th week of the program every participant will have the chance to interview for jobs and enroll in a community college with the ultimate goal of being able to obtain a college degree.

The Reintegration Academy is one of the signature programs financially supported by Transcendence, a community philanthropy organization that is a rising star in the Inland Valley and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Transcendence was the sole supporter of the Reintegration Academy when it served its first cohort of parolees in 2009. In 2012 Transcendence was even more involved not only in providing financial support but also by participating in program participant screening, speaking in training sessions and participating in round tables. Transcendence Executive Director, Keith Hosea said, “I cant think of any better way to help strengthen our local community than helping these young people overcome the mistakes of their youth and become skilled workers, educated citizens and contributing members of our society.”

This year’s program was an extraordinary success, all of the 28 individuals that were selected to participate successfully completed the program. Program participant, Charles Biddle said, “If it were not for the Reintegration Academy, I don’t know where I would be. The moment that Dr Reese told me that I was accepted into the program I knew my life was going to change forever!”