Setbacks to Scholarships Creates a New Path Forward for Justice-Involved Youth

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In 2025, CACC expanded its commitment to access and opportunity through the launch of Setbacks to Scholarships, a new initiative developed in partnership with the Elmore County Juvenile Court and the Elmore County Family Resource Center.

The program was designed to support justice-involved youth by connecting education, accountability, and workforce preparation in a single, coordinated effort. Through Setbacks to Scholarships, students gain access to GED preparation, High School Diploma Options, digital literacy instruction, and job readiness training, all delivered in a structured and supportive environment.

Instruction takes place on-site at the Elmore County Family Resource Center, where CACC instructors work directly with students, while the Juvenile Court monitors progress and provides guidance. The Family Resource Center supports family engagement and outreach, helping ensure students have consistent support beyond the classroom.

District Judge Ben Baxley of the 19th Judicial Circuit said the program addresses a gap that affects both individuals and the broader community.

“This partnership is about hope and accountability,” Baxley said. “We are creating a path forward for young people who need structure, support, and the belief that they can build something better. That benefits every one of us.”

According to Lynn Chambers, Director of Adult Programs at CACC, the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to meeting students where they are while holding them to clear expectations.

“These students are capable, but many need stability and guidance to move forward,” Chambers said. “Setbacks to Scholarships brings education and accountability together in a way that gives them a real chance to succeed.”

CACC President Jeff Lynn said the program aligns closely with the College’s mission to provide practical education that responds to real needs.

“When we remove barriers and provide structure, students can focus on building a future,” Lynn said. “This initiative allows us to work alongside community partners to help young people take meaningful steps toward education and employment.”

As the program continues to develop, Setbacks to Scholarships stands as one of the year’s defining efforts at CACC, bringing together education, the courts, and community partners around a shared commitment to opportunity and responsibility.

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