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October 09, 2025
This summer, DJJ held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new 13-classroom education and vocational building and 56-bed housing unit at the Augusta Youth Development Campus (YDC). The project replaced outdated infrastructure with modern, purpose-built facilities that support education, safety and youth rehabilitation.
“I am proud to share that we completed a transformative construction upgrade at our Augusta Youth Development Campus,” said DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “These new spaces were designed with care and intention, grounded in current best practices in juvenile justice and focused on creating an environment where young people can grow and thrive.”
The new 20,000-square-foot academic and vocational building features a media center, computer lab, and classrooms equipped with Promethean smartboards. The cosmetology and horticulture labs are designed to enhance hands-on learning and promote career readiness.
“The improvement in educational opportunities for our youth is very exciting,” said Sandra Heath Taylor, Chair of the Board of Juvenile Justice. “In addition to earning high school diplomas, youth are provided with the opportunity to obtain GEDs and further education through a host of vocational certification programs.”
The new housing unit replaced cottages initially built in 1985. The unit features seven pods, each housing eight residents with their own private room, complete with a bed, desk, shower, sink, and toilet. The updated dayrooms, programming spaces, and central control room enhance supervision and support therapeutic engagement.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together a host of DJJ staff, community leaders and legislators in support of the new programs the facility will help provide to youth.
“Seeing this facility, one word comes to mind, and that is opportunity,” said Senate Minority Leader Harold V. Jones. “Opportunity for our young people to be able to improve their lives. The staff is really dedicated, and I think that is going to be key to a successful facility, a successful change in these young people’s lives, and also making Georgia a better place.”
Project partners, including Allstate Construction, NELSON Worldwide design firm, and the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, completed the $35 million, 20-month project while maintaining a fully operational youth detention center and helping to ensure the safety and security of the youth.