Education Opportunities Academy was founded with purpose of creating educational opportunities for people with criminal convictions that are otherwise stigmatized and marginalized because of their criminal records. The issue of how to best integrate prisoners back into society after they have successfully served their sentences remains a top priority for the criminal justice system, and for society at large. The existence and quality of support programs offered to individuals as they exit incarceration and re-enter the community can often mean the difference between a repeat offense and successful reintegration and self-sufficiency. Studies have shown that education does make a difference for people with criminal records, and the difference is significant in terms of reduced recidivism and the wages earned after release from incarceration. The Academy addresses the lack of education opportunities for people with criminal records by providing an online high school, career certification and vocational programs and transitional life skills and independent living skills courses. In addition to the the Academy’s work with people with criminal records, we work tirelessly to help individuals in the foster care and juvenile justice system whom have not had adequate support as they transition into adulthood. I know first hand the struggles that face foster children. I was in numerous foster homes until I was adopted at the age of three. While these youth face seemingly insurmountable odds, they deserve our support and a serious investment in their futures.