A special graduation ceremony took place at the Albany County Court House on Friday. It’s a mentor-assisted program for people who have committed crimes.

Two people graduated from the U-CAN program inside courtroom number 2. U-CAN stands for United Against Crime Community Action Network, and Judge Andra Ackerman couldn’t be prouder.

Two brothers who initially were arrested and faced weapon charges just over a year ago graduated from the mentor assisted U-CAN program on Friday.

Judge Ackerman founded the program six years ago with a goal of helping struggling youths through compassion, structure, tough love, and strategy.

Not everyone is gained entry to the pprogram,said the judge, but these two didn’t use their weapon and had no prior criminal action.

Learn about why she said she wanted these two people in the program, by watching the video of Zach Richter’s story.