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 most offender change programs. The Employment Security Department provides the offender change program “Job Hunter” through the Corrections Clearinghouse at some facilities. The Department also has other contracts for specific offender education services.

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 are automatically referred to basic skills education.
  • Vocational training programs vary at each facility, although all facilities offer an information technology program. Other current programs include welding, building maintenance, and barbering. Offenders may achieve a state certificate upon completion of some vocational training programs and a local certificate on others.
  • Offender change programs include Stress and Anger management, Job Hunter, and moral reconation therapy.

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?

No. Fees are charged for basic skills and offender change programs. For vocational training, offenders are not charged for the first completed vocational program provided by the Department. Offenders pay all costs for second and subsequent vocational programs not associated with their work program. If a second and subsequent vocational program is associated with the offender’s work program, the offender pays part of the tuition on a sliding scale, based on income. Further details are available from the Counselor

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