Harris County Juvenile Probation Department to open vocational training center

The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department is planning a new vocational training center in Katy to introduce career opportunities for young people attending its Leadership Academy.

What’s happening

Matt Shelton, the department’s assistant executive director, said the center will be built next to the Leadership Academy located at 9120 Katy Hockley Road.

Shelton said the center will have four multifunctional vocational classrooms and covered outside areas.

“We're gonna use this as a way to inspire kids into the world of work,” Shelton said. “I think it's got to be something that they want to do.”

Shelton said the department is potentially working with vocational partners at their other facilities like TXRX and WorkTexas. 

After surveying kids on the vocational services they wanted to see at the center, welding was the most popular choice.

Other services the center may provide include:

• Construction trades

• Culinary programs

• Barbershop courses

• Mechanics programs 

• Multimedia programs 

Shelton said courses will not be finalized until they come to an agreement with a vocational partner within the next year.

The backstory

The Leadership Academy provides therapy, schooling and supportive structural activities for those who have been serious offenders in the juvenile justice system for many years. 

“If you look at kids that are leaving the juvenile justice system and matriculating into young adulthood, one of the best protective factors that you can provide those kids are jobs,” Shelton said. “It provides structure, it provides economic security, it helps them move on and keep out of the adult system.”

Shelton said the academy does not have enough room for all of the services it wants to offer, so around three years ago the department came up with the idea for the center. 

The cost

Though Shelton could not confirm the cost of the project due to it still being in the procurement process, the source of the funding originates from the Harris County Capital Improvements Program. 

What they’re saying 

Over the last few years of seeing the project through many phases, Shelton said one of the lessons the department has learned is the importance of preparing juveniles for what life will be like after they leave the system.

“By exposing them to different vocational and career options and then providing them with tangible skills that they can use, I think it really shows them a path,” Shelton said. “It really gives them hope for once they get home and what life might look like.”

Stay tuned

In early September, Shelton said the department was only a couple weeks away from going out for bids for the center with construction expected to be completed in approximately a year.