The Ozaukee County Jail Literacy Program, Inc. is a nonprofit literacy program that provides educational opportunities to incarcerated adults through compassionate delivery of services and community support in a secular, non-discriminatory educational environment.

It is the first private agency in Wisconsin to provide education at the jail level and does not receive any taxpayer money. The program serves 50-60 students each year who are currently in the Ozaukee County Jail.

Since its inception in 1992, the OCJLP has provided educational opportunities to 1,100 adults and more than 350 students have graduated through the program with a GED or HSED certificate.

Providing OCJLP students with education and personal and employment skills positively impacts them, their families and the community and ultimately reduces recidivism.

OCJLP offers these programs and opportunities

  • GED or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) testing and completion
  • Basic literacy skills
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Goal setting, career awareness and employability skills
  • Computer literacy classes
  • Financial literacy classes
  • Art workshops
  • Job readiness
  • Workforce development
  • Family literacy

What we do matters

“Not only have you changed my future, but also the future of my children. I can now provide a substantial living and further my education and give my children the encouragement and the confidence that you all have given me. It’s never too late to live.”

– Shelli, OCJLP student