ORANGE PARK – A new partnership designed to offer second-chance educational opportunities for Clay County residents completing Adult Drug Court and Veterans Court graduations is in the works between St. Johns River State College, the Clay County school district and the Fourth Judicial Circuit Problem-Solving Courts.

A meeting between SJR State Board Chairman Sam Garrison, SJR State President Joe Pickens and Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Judges Don Lester and Steve Whittington opened discussions on the two paths individuals could take as part of resolving their court issues. Those without their high school diplomas are encouraged to enroll in the Clay County School District’s GED program, while those with diplomas can explore career and technical programs with assistance from SJR State recruiters attending the court graduations.

According to Garrison, SJR State is committed to creating new outreach programs that extend the College beyond its traditional offerings.

“Education and job training are two of the biggest factors in predicting whether a person ultimately succeeds in transitioning into the workforce. Our partnership with Clay County’s problem-solving courts makes clear that the College will always extend a helping hand to people who go the extra mile and put in the hard work,” Garrison said. “Veterans Court and Adult Drug Court are amazing programs that produce tangible results in the lives of their graduates and families. We are excited at the opportunity to partner with them in Clay County.”

Outgoing Clay County Superintendent Addison Davis commended SJR State Chairman Sam Garrison and President Joe Pickens for their willingness to take bold steps to benefit the community with building a longer and stronger bench of workforce-ready community members.

"We are proud to partner and support St. Johns River State College and the Fourth Judicial Circuit Problem-Solving Courts as they seek to create alternative avenues to assist community members with second chance programs such as Adult Drug Court and Veterans Court. This initiative will provide a sense of hope for potential graduates and align defined pathways that will help candidates explore career and technical programs at St. Johns River State College, and ultimately, transition successfully into the workforce," Davis said.