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Another Crop of D.C. Jail Residents Receive Their High School Diploma

July 31, 2025

of News Article Tomar McWilliams and over a dozen other young men recently graduated from Maya Angelou Academy @ D.C. Jail, earning their D.C.-certified high school diplomas while incarcerated. McWilliams made the conscious decision to remain at D.C. Jail rather than transfer elsewhere, specifically to complete his education through this program. The graduation ceremony at the Central Treatment Facility celebrated these achievements, which were made possible through a settlement from the Charles H.

Who is affected

  • Incarcerated young men at D.C. Jail between ages 18-22 (and some older individuals like McWilliams who received extensions)
  • Returning citizens who completed their education while incarcerated
  • Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
  • Families of the graduates
  • Teachers and staff at Maya Angelou Academy @ D.C. Jail
  • D.C. Department of Corrections residents who previously lacked adequate educational opportunities

What action is being taken

  • Maya Angelou Academy @ D.C. Jail is providing high school education to incarcerated individuals
  • The academy is delivering continuous verbal instruction corresponding with students' IEPs
  • The program is providing access to educational materials and technology essential for coursework
  • Support staff are helping students navigate between lessons, appointments, and counseling sessions
  • Young Men Emerging program is teaching life skills to aid in transition back to the community

Why it matters

  • The program provides a second chance for education to those who dropped out or missed schooling
  • A D.C.-certified high school diploma improves employment prospects for returning citizens
  • The initiative addresses educational deficiencies identified in the Charles H. v. District of Columbia lawsuit
  • The program creates opportunities for incarcerated individuals to be more successful upon reentry
  • Since 2021, 82 individuals have graduated with high school diplomas through this program
  • Educational achievement may help reduce recidivism and improve community reintegration

What's next

  • Graduate Nathan Washington plans to participate in the Young Men Emerging program to learn life skills for community reentry
  • Washington intends to give back to youth in the community after his release
  • Maya Angelou Academy @ D.C. Jail will continue to provide educational services to incarcerated residents
  • According to Principal Russell Waller, the school team will "continue to do great things" with their educational program

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer