The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and partners are proud to announce the launch of Project ASCEND (Achieving Success through Community, Education, and Nurturing Development), a collaborative, countywide initiative aimed at transforming youth justice by providing diversion, tailored interventions, and rehabilitation for justice-involved youth.
Project ASCEND brings together a robust network of partners across education, law enforcement and community-based organizations who are committed to reimagining youth justice through diversion.
“Project ASCEND reflects our collective—and data-driven—belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive,” said Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah. “By shifting from punishment to restoration and rehabilitation, we are building a system that recognizes the potential in our youth and invests in their futures through compassion, accountability, and community support.”
The initiative is guided by three key priorities: accountability, competency building, and community safety. Through data-driven strategies and strong community engagement, Project ASCEND aims to:
- Improve school attendance and academic achievement
- Reduce juvenile recidivism by 50% by 2028 by using trauma-informed, restorative justice approaches
- Divert 80% of eligible youth from the justice system into supportive services instead of detention or probation
- Foster belonging and resilience among youth and families
Project History
Project ASCEND is modeled after the success of the Caminos Hacia El Exito diversion program in the City of Watsonville. Launched in 2012, Caminos Hacia El Exito is a partnership between Watsonville Police Department and nonprofit Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance. Since its inception in June 2012 through June 2024, 716 youth were referred to Caminos, 583 youth accepted services, and 487 successfully completed the program. The program touts a success rate of 91%, with 445 out of 487 youth not reoffending following program completion.
Funded by Prop. 47 Board of State and Community Corrections grant, Project ASCEND is a proactive response to the growing need for effective, compassionate alternatives to incarceration for young people experiencing challenges such as mental health issues, substance use, and systemic inequities.
High Need for Youth Diversion
Local data shows expanding youth diversion opportunities could have a significant impact on Santa Cruz County youth. From January 2023 to May 2024, 642 youth in Santa Cruz County were referred to probation due to arrests or citations, with 311 youth booked into Juvenile Hall.
Prior to the launch of Project ASCEND, availability of diversion programs has been inconsistent—leaving critical service gaps and missed opportunities, especially in underserved or remote areas.
“Too often, young people become entangled in the justice system when what they really need is support, structure, and guidance,” said Santa Cruz County Sheriff Chris Clark. “Project ASCEND allows us to step in early, connect youth with meaningful services, and build long-term public safety through compassion and accountability. This partnership marks a significant step forward in how we serve and support youth in our community.”
The ASCEND Model
Project ASCEND supports youth aged 12 to 17 who have been charged with non-violent misdemeanor offenses and are referred by law enforcement. Youth Specialists make initial contact with the youth and their guardians within 48 hours of the referral.
Upon entry, each youth will be matched with a dedicated Youth Specialist who will complete a comprehensive risk and needs assessment. Youth complete community service, restorative justice, and counseling and have access to services for needs including mental health and substance use. These supports are rooted in culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices that center youth voice and family engagement.
“PVPSA is proud to partner in this important work and expand our longstanding commitment to diversion services in the City of Watsonville to reach more youth and families across the county,” said Jasmine Najera, CEO of Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA). “ASCEND is about second chances and building a system that invests in the potential of every young person.”
Upon completion of the program, participating youth have no further legal action taken against them.
Project ASCEND is a program of the Santa Cruz COE in partnership with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Cruz Police Department, Watsonville Police Department, Scotts Valley Police Department, Capitola Police Department, Santa Cruz County District Attorney, Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County, and Encompass Community Services.