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Published on June 04, 2025
Each year, the Allegheny County Jail holds a graduation ceremony for its incarcerated individuals who graduate through the jail’s high school or meet the adult education standards for a Pennsylvania Secondary High School diploma.
A total of 14 individuals earned their diploma during the 2024-25 academic year, and five were still in the facility and able to participate in the ceremony on May 29, 2025. Friends and family members were able to attend the ceremony and enjoyed a catered meal and cake following the event in the jail’s Contact Visits room. County Executive Sara Innamorato was on hand and spoke to many of the attendees.
Juveniles at the Allegheny County Jail attend classes at the John “Jack” Pischke Education Center daily. The school is managed by Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) and enables students the opportunity to achieve credits toward a high school diploma. Courses offered are in line with the curriculum at other PPS high schools, and the staff are Pennsylvania-certified teachers.
ACJ individuals aged 18 and older can work toward their secondary high school diploma following assessment and enrollment in the proper classes. That process is managed through the jail’s partnership with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU).
ACJ Warden Trevor Wingard addresses graduates at the jail's graduation on May 29, 2025.
Garrett Besonson, the ACJ Educational Service Manager, speaks to graduates on May 29, 2025.
Jack Pischke, former Director of Inmate Programs at ACJ, addresses high school graduates on May 29, 2025.
Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4760 (cell).