Life as an Offender - Education

The Department provides education services at prisons and pre-release facilities. Upon admission to a Reception Center, offenders are tested to determine basic academic skill levels.

Who provides offender education programs?

The Department contracts with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges for basic education, vocational programs, and parenting classes. The Employment Security Department provides life skill programs such as “Job Hunter” and "Getting It Right" through Offender Education Services at some facilities. The Department also has other contracts for specific offender education services. Volunteers and staff also provide various programs.

What offender education programs are available?

The Department currently provides basic skills, vocational training, and offender change programs.

  • Basic skills education includes adult basic education (reading, writing, and math) for offenders with a grade level score less than grade level 9, General Educational Development certificate preparation for offenders between grade levels 9 and 12, and English-as-a-Second Language instruction. Offenders with a grade level below 9 and less than 22 years of age are automatically referred to basic skills education.
  • Vocational training programs vary at each facility, although all facilities offer an information technology program. Examples of current programs include welding, building maintenance, and automotive. Offenders may achieve a state or local certificate upon completion of vocational training.
  • Life skill programs include Getting It Right, Job Hunter, and Partners in Parenting.

How does an offender enroll in education programs at the facility?

Depending on the assessed need of an offender, the Counselor may direct the offender to an appropriate program. The offender should contact his or her assigned Counselor to find out what education programs are available.

Does the offender pay for education programs?

Most education programs are provided to offenders at no cost. Participation in correspondence courses or multiple vocational programs may require payment. Further details are available from the Classification Counselor.

Learn more about Correctional Education programs.

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