If you plant a seed, sometimes you’ll get a farmer.

That might not be the slogan of a dual-credit course developed through a partnership between the Kane County Regional Office of Education, the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center, and Elgin Community College, but it is one potential result.

The program, offered to incarcerated youth at the Juvenile Justice Center, is providing them a chance to make their way to college.

On July 20, members of the state legislature and the press had a chance to see the program firsthand. Hosted by the ROE, they visited the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center in St. Charles to witness the class, talk to students and learn how the program has affected their lives.

The program offers three dual-credit courses to youth: College 101, Exploring Careers and College Majors, and Job Search Strategies.

Regional Superintendent Patricia Dal Santo said this is the second year the dual-credit course program has been offered at the JJC.

“This program was founded with the focus on giving the youth at the Juvenile Justice Center the opportunity to explore career options and college experiences,” she said. “We’ve seen the impact of this program in the ways that the courses have generated excitement and enthusiasm in the youth for pursuing a college degree.”

Officials visited the Exploring Careers and College Majors class. During the observation, the youth shared their experiences from enrolling in the course to how it has helped them learn about career opportunities. One youth said the course has reinforced his interest in becoming a farmer and furthered his drive to pursue a career in agricultural science.

The dual-credit courses are being offered to youth at the Juvenile Justice Center as electives, which they can take along with their English, Social Studies, Math, and Science classes. Youth at the Juvenile Justice Center receive 300 minutes of class instruction a day.

About the Kane County Regional Office of Education

Led by Regional Superintendent of Schools Patricia Dal Santo, the Kane County ROE is located in Geneva and serves nine school districts. From teacher licensure assistance to professional development, the ROE’s mission is to advocate for education, provide leadership and perform regulatory functions. Learn more about the ROE’s offerings on Facebook, Twitter and by signing up for the semimonthly newsletter.