EL CENTRO — This spotlight highlights the remarkable accomplishments of a justice-involved youth who entered juvenile hall following a serious offense and spent several years in the Secure Track Program. During this time, he demonstrated extraordinary resilience and initiative by enrolling full-time at Imperial Valley College, where he consistently maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher each semester.

Despite facing moments of overwhelm, he remained focused and committed to his goals, continually pushing himself to succeed. His dedication culminated in January 2026, when he graduated from Imperial Valley College with two associate degrees—one in Behavioral Science and another in Social Science, earning a 3.8 GPA with honors/distinction in his major. He is also on track to complete a third associate degree in Sociology this semester.

Building on this success, he was accepted to Sacramento State University, where he is currently enrolled in six courses as he pursues a degree in Kinesiology. With the support of Project Rebound, he has also secured stable housing, providing a strong foundation for his continued academic journey and personal growth.

As a first-generation college graduate, he reflects on his journey in the Secure Track Program, with a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment, sharing, “I wouldn’t have done any of this if I wasn’t in there.”

The Imperial County Probation Department is invested in rehabilitation and transformation, reaffirming the belief that all youth—regardless of their past—deserve the opportunity to succeed.