Unlocking Futures: How Alabama’s Premier Prison Education Program is Transforming Lives – Athens The News Courier

Alabama’s Impressive Prison Education Program

Alabama’s prison system faces significant challenges, particularly regarding the treatment of inmates. The federal court system has been involved, pushing for improvements. A new mega prison is on the way to help meet these federal requirements.

But there’s some good news: Alabama’s Community College System, led by Chancellor Jimmy Baker, has been thriving. While many colleges across the country are seeing fewer students, Alabama’s colleges have experienced a nearly 10% growth in enrollment. This success is due to the focus on teaching practical skills that lead to high-paying jobs, which are in great demand right now.

Interestingly, 97% of students in this community college system are from Alabama, and most have job offers lined up upon graduation. The Working for Alabama program, initiated by the legislature last year, owes much of its success to the community colleges. The investment in these institutions is a powerful step towards improving higher education in the state.

The funding for educational programs is not just about building a skilled workforce; it also benefits the state’s economy, particularly in the area of prison education. Alabama was one of the first states to implement prison education programs, and it now boasts one of the best in the nation.

J.F. Ingram State Technical College, located in Deatsville, runs the prison education initiative. Annette Funderburk, the college’s president, is dedicated to improving the lives of inmates through education. The college offers 21 different programs, including in-demand fields like welding, automotive repair, and cosmetology. Last year, they celebrated 666 graduates, and the program continues to grow.

Research shows that every dollar spent on prison education saves the state about $4 to $5 in correctional costs. More importantly, inmates who participate in educational programs are 48% less likely to return to prison.

To address the need for more correctional officers, the Community College System has created a training program in partnership with the Alabama Department of Corrections. This initiative, called ACTIVATE, provides a low-cost way for individuals to train as correctional officers. It meets the physical and educational requirements for the job.

Correctional officers in Alabama recently saw their salaries increase from $52,000 to $58,200, plus benefits, making the job more appealing. The first graduating class from this program had 23 individuals, showing early success.

Overall, the partnership between the ACCS and the Alabama Department of Corrections is proving beneficial for the state. With strong leadership from both sides, Alabama is taking significant steps toward a better future.

Steve Flowers served 16 years in the state legislature. You can reach him at steve@steveflowers.us.