MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD), is proud to recognize a year of significant achievements for adults in custody. 

“I believe that public safety is strengthened when we invest into the future,” said Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “By providing meaningful education, programming, and opportunities for growth inside our facilities, we are helping adults in custody build a path forward. Through these positive changes, we are building a safer and more supportive community.” 

Over the past academic school year, which ran from September through June, 11 high school graduations occurred through Multnomah Inverness School.  

By investing in high-quality instruction and academic programming, adults in custody can strengthen the skills necessary for lifelong advancement. 

The Multnomah Inverness School is an accredited program that provides education in Multnomah County jails for adults in custody between the ages of 18 and 22. All graduates receive a nationally recognized high school diploma.  

MESD also facilitates GED preparation as an alternative to a high school diploma. GEDs do not require the same coursework or credentials. Rather, a GED is earned by passing a series of four exams: language arts, math, science, and social studies. 

During the past academic school year, MESD administered 15 GED tests within the two Multnomah County correctional facilities. Eleven resulted in passing scores on individual subject tests, and one person completed all required subjects, earning a full Oregon GED certificate. 

MCSO, MESD Re-Launch GED Testing in Jail Facilities  

The 2025-2026 school year also ushered in several program expansions at Multnomah County Inverness Jail, resulting in greater educational access for people either awaiting trial or those serving a sentence of less than one year. 

In 2025, The Portland Literacy Council (PLC) awarded MESD a grant, contributing $520 for GED exams and $350 for practice tests. 

While GED preparation has been a consistent offering for adults in custody aged 18 to 24 within the Multnomah County Inverness Jail, the donation helped MCSO and MESD restart onsite GED testing and expand access to exam preparation materials.  

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and MESD are deeply grateful for this partnership. 

In April 2026, MCSO and MESD hosted a GED graduation ceremony at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail, celebrating the success of an adult in custody who completed the full GED certification process.  

This adult was the first student to recently obtain their GED certificate while incarcerated, marking an important step in the continued growth of MCSO’s educational programming. 

By strengthening educational pathways, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and MESD aim to reduce the economic barriers that formerly incarcerated young adults often encounter and to equip them with the skills needed for successful reentry and long‑term growth. 

Newly Launched Literacy Course 

District Four Coalition awarded MESD a grant that enabled Instructor Christy Lucus to develop a new book study course designed to support literacy development at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail. 

Twenty-five students completed the class, which focused on reading comprehension, text analysis, and vocabulary building. Each student received a personal copy of the book upon completing the course and a certificate of completion. 

MCSO, MESD Now Offering Dual Credit Course Through Mt. Hood Community College 

A new partnership with Mt. Hood Community College and MESD allowed 15 students to enroll in a dual-credit “College Success” course with Lucus, who is also a certified MHCC instructor. 

This 10-week, two credit class introduces students to goal setting, time management, financial literacy, and decision-making strategies, giving them a head start on higher education while also earning high school credit.  

First Ever MCDC Graduation Ceremony 

The 2025-2026 school year also marked the first high school graduation ceremony held at the Multnomah County Detention Center.  

Two adults in custody participated in the celebrations, receiving their diplomas while wearing caps and gowns. The ceremonies were powerful moments for the students, and for the educators and staff who supported them along the way. 

MAN UP Program 

Additionally, seven adults in custody have graduated the “Men Advancing Nobility, Unity, and Purpose” (MAN UP) Program, led by MESD Transition Specialist Nathanyel Israel.  

This 10-week course emphasizes leadership, strength, courage, responsibility, positive relationships, and growth mindset — supporting both personal development and community-oriented values. 

Looking Ahead 

MESD will be offering limited summer school for adults working toward their high school completion or GED. 

The MAN UP Program will also continue through the summer months, while full-time academic programming will resume in September. 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recognizes its Corrections Facilities Programs Unit, MESD Educators Christy Lucus, Tyler Duvall, and Nate Israel, and MESD Principal Christine Otto, for their contributions to advancing educational program offerings within our correctional facilities. 

Photos of MESD educational programs and graduation ceremonies within jail facilities are being released. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple 'MCSO' agencies within Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full name of the sheriff’s office ensures better accuracy. 

###