American Career College Educational Foundation
PROGRAMS
High School Equivalency Academy
The American Career College Educational Foundation (ACCEF) is working to address a critical gap in educational access for low-income and justice-impacted individuals—those who have been incarcerated or system-involved and who face severe barriers to reentry, employment, and long-term success. National statistics illustrate the magnitude of this issue: according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 75% of state prison incarcerated individuals, 59% of federal incarcerated individuals, and 69% of jail incarcerated individuals lack a high school diploma. Without this basic credential, justice-impacted individuals face limited pathways to stable employment, higher education, self-sufficiency, and a life free of justice involvement. This educational disparity disproportionately affects Black and Latinx communities. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that 44% of Black and 53% of Hispanic incarcerated individuals do not have a high school diploma or GED, compared to 27% of White incarcerated individuals. Our HSE Academy addresses this issue by providing entirely free HSE preparation and holistic support to justice-involved youth. Our results consistently exceed expectations: ACCEF students achieve an 83% average HSE pass rate, far surpassing the statewide rate of 74.3% (with even lower rates for Hispanic and Black test-takers—51.7% and 47.0%, respectively). Beyond academic achievement, our alumni surveys reveal that graduates consistently report increased optimism about their future, stronger self-esteem, and greater confidence in their role as parents and community members. Many also express a desire to inspire and support others in pursuing their HSE, creating a powerful ripple effect that helps break generational cycles of poverty and incarceration. By addressing the root causes of low educational attainment and limited economic opportunity among individuals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, especially those impacted by the justice system —ACCEF offers a scalable, proven intervention that supports both individual transformation and systemic change.
The HSE Academy is designed to create a transformative, long-term impact for low-income justice-involved individuals across Southern California by offering entirely free HSE preparation, academic support, and mentorship in a structured, high-touch environment. Our program addresses the deeply rooted educational and socioeconomic barriers that often lead to cycles of poverty and recidivism.
The long-term impact of our HSE Academy program is threefold:
1. Graduates will pursue higher education, vocational training, or employment, reducing recidivism and promoting economic self-sufficiency. By earning their HSE, students unlock access to better jobs and continued learning opportunities, which are proven pathways to long-term stability and success.
2. Students will break generational patterns by becoming role models and advocates for education within their communities. Many participants are the first in their families to complete HSE, and their success inspires siblings, peers, and future generations to follow similar paths.
3. The program will foster systemic change by providing data-driven evidence to advocate for expanded educational resources and programming for justice-impacted youth. This will extend beyond individual students to inform public policy and funding allocations for second-chance education initiatives across Southern California and beyond.
Our program outcomes are tracked through student surveys, educational benchmarks, HSE completion data, and follow-up on employment or continued education. ACCEF believes that investing in low income, justice-involved young adults is not just a moral imperative—it’s a community-wide opportunity to build a more equitable future.
CONTACT
American Career College Educational Foundation
151 Innovation Dr.
Irvine, California 92617