This program helps young adults on Rikers Island ages 19 to 24 prepare for a successful transition back to the community after discharge.

Program Description
Education Expansion on Rikers Island is geared towards developing literacy, occupational and social skills in order to boost participants' self-confidence, earn a GED, increase employability, and ease transition to the community upon discharge.

The initiative also implements a small monetary incentive equivalent to the unskilled wage  received for participating in a Department of Correction work program (27 cents an hour), to offset any disincentive to attending class.

In addition, the Department of Correction/Department of Education (DOC/DOE) has established an outreach campaign on Rikers Island to ensure that non-readers and those with low literacy skills are identified and recruited for services. The campaign consists of posters and an "education hotline" for inmate telephone inquiries about services.

Eligibility The Educational Expansion on Rikers Island initiative serves young adults age 19-24 who are in custody on Rikers Island.

Partner Agency: Departments of Education and Correction

Evaluation & Research

• Program Description (in PDF)

Interested in learning more about the program?
On Rikers outreach is ongoing. Contact 917-521-3619 or email tlisant@schools.nyc.gov for more information.