A Dozen Offenders Graduate from HVAC Program

By: Sarah Warren, Communications Specialist

March 24 , 2008

 

After successfully complete the Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program at the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP), twelve offenders now have the necessary skills to land good-paying jobs when re-entering the community and workforce.

In honor of the offenders’ accomplishments, WSP will host a recognition ceremony and open house for the graduates on March 21. Attendees will have the opportunity to view completed projects and observe class demonstrations by the graduating offenders.

“For offenders to successfully re-enter their community and be successful they must be able to secure good-paying jobs—the HVAC program provides this opportunity,” said Educational Services Administrator Mike Paris.

The HVAC program is offered through Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) and is instructed by Chet Mills. Since it was implemented in 2006, 27 offenders have graduated.  Offenders enrolled in the program must complete 1,230 hours which is equivalent to 82 college credits.  Once the program has been successfully completed, offenders receive a state certificate awarded by WWCC, which greatly assists in finding employment.

“The HVAC program is the best thing I’ve ever experienced,” said Offender and HVAC graduate Steven McCabe, who will be releasing next July. “The program gives you everything you need to walk out into the free world as a marketable person.”

Another offender and HVAC graduate, Anthony Sullivan, said he feels that if the HVAC program was offered the first time he was incarcerated; he probably would not have ended up back in prison.

In order to enroll in the HVAC program, offenders must have a high school or general education diploma and demonstrate a level of proficiency in both math and reading.  Offenders with less than seven years until release and demonstrate commitment to the program are prime candidates for this program. The program can hold up to 20 offenders and since it has proven to be such a success, about 100 offenders are on the waiting list to enroll.  

“Getting involved in the program was a big decision for me and Chet Mills helped me make it,” said offender and HVAC graduate Jeremy Livingston.  “Staying with the program was a wonderful decision and it’s just a wonderful program.”

 

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