Full Notification

On Wednesday, November 18, 2015 the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Education Based Incarceration Unit (EBI) held a male and female high school graduation within Men’s Central Jail (MCJ). 

The female inmates were from Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood.  This was the first time female inmates were allowed within MCJ for an event, but this was not just any event; they were graduating with their high school diplomas.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department who partnered with charter school New Opportunities, worked year-round to make this graduation happen for the inmates.

The graduation was held at Men’s Central Jail with 23 graduates in attendance. Eleven of the inmates were female and twelve were males.  In addition to the graduates, eleven family members were given the opportunity to attend their loved one’s graduation and witness their loved one’s success inside Men’s Central Jail.

This was the first time a co-ed graduation has ever occurred and the first time family members were allowed to attend the graduation ceremony with MCJ. This was a new concept for the Sheriff’s Department, and it was well received.  It was a complete success, which was evident by the joyful look on the graduate’s faces and the faces of their proud loved one’s as well.

The event began with the Men’s Central Jail’s music band performing some soothing jazz tunes.  Once the graduates walked into the converted chapel area, the band played Pomp and Circumstance; a moment which brought a smile to everyone’s face.  The band contributed to the perfect ambience for the event. The band, which is made up of all male inmates housed within Men’s Central Jail EBI dorms, performed beautifully at the opening of the graduation.  They captured some of the true talents the inmates possess when their time and energy is put to positive use.

In addition to the musical performance, works of art were also displayed for viewing by all who attended (see photos). All art work were created by inmates during art classes. Visit our Education Based Incarceration Unit’s Facebook page for more photos of the art work.

For the opening remarks, Chief David Fender congratulated the graduating inmates on their accomplishments and challenged them to continue bettering themselves in the future.  The Inmate Service Bureau, Education Based Incarnation Unit is proud of the inmates for choosing to continue their education and taking the next step to success.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Deputy Tim Jennison made an inspiring speech to the graduates.  He then concluded his speech by loudly announcing the new EBI, New Opportunities, CRDF and MCJ class of 2015, at which time the graduates threw their caps high in the air, celebrating their hard work and accomplishment.  Under strict supervision by custody staff, all the graduates were allowed to hug their loved ones who were in attendance.

The Educational Based Incarceration Unit provides programs that assist all incarcerated men and women reach their full potential through education, empowerment, self-esteem, creativity and self-respect in order to make them better parents, spouses and productive citizens in their communities.  Educating and providing life skills to the incarcerated population will enable them to enhance and develop their quality of life and become architects of their future by presenting opportunities for spiritual, educational, and economic transformation.

A majority of the educational programs that are provided to our inmates are funded with the assistance of the Inmate Welfare Commission (IWC). The IWC serves at the appointment of Sheriff Jim McDonnell. 

For further information Contact:

MARK SLATER, LIEUTENANT

INMATE SERVICES BUREAU

EDUCATION BASED INCARCERATION UNIT

(661) 294-6313 (PDC Office)

[email protected]

https://www.facebook/EBILASD

Authored By:

Deputy Jenna Nunez

Education Based Incarceration Unit

Forwarded by:

Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 

Hall of Justice - First floor  

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213-229-1700

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