Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Senate Bill 7014 which will create the Florida Scholars Academy, a unified school system within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)’s residential commitment programs. The Florida Scholars Academy will serve as a national model with a focus on improving outcomes for youth through individualized educational pathways. The Florida Scholars Academy will help youth in DJJ’s care attain a high school or high school equivalency diploma, receive industry-recognized credentials, and enroll in a postsecondary program of study at a Florida college, university, or technical college.
“I am incredibly grateful to Governor DeSantis and our bill sponsors for their leadership and support of the Florida Scholars Academy,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “Providing youth with a high-quality education is the best public safety strategy we have, and the Florida Scholars Academy is going to redefine education for the students we serve and ensure the best possible outcomes for them as they work to achieve their academic goals.”
“I am proud to have sponsored SB 7014 because providing these young people with high-quality educational opportunities will help to keep them from reoffending which will ultimately lead to safer communities,” said Senator Jonathan Martin. “Providing these students access to a seamless education that tailors to their competencies will ensure they reenter the community with the tools they need to be productive citizens.”
“The Florida Scholars Academy is going to create powerful change for youth in the DJJ’s residential programs,” said Representative Berny Jacques. “It will significantly expand the options these students have as they venture into the workforce and in their pursuit of higher education.”
In Fiscal Year 2021-2022, 2,388 youth were served across 44 DJJ residential commitment programs. Prior to the passage of SB 7014, educational services were provided by the local school district where the residential program was located. The Florida Scholars Academy will allow the department to contract for educational services on a statewide basis.
