California State Prison, Solano showcased CTE and Academic classes available for inmates through Vaca Valley Adult School on July 10.
Tables displayed completed student projects, textbooks, photographs, library services, self-help groups and working demonstrations of the CTE trades. Faculty and staff were on hand to talk with students, explaining educational opportunities to earn G.E.D. and college degrees, and industry job market trends. Student volunteers assisted teachers in explaining the various classes and programs available to their peers. Many inmates were interested in CTE training as well as obtaining their G.E.D. or Associates’ degree, and were given enrollment information and direction.
Inmates performed a skit stressing the benefit of taking the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)exam to ensure that inmates are placed in the correct education class or institutional job. Associate Warden Kim Young, Principal Pamela Ditto, and Dr. Kenya Williams, Office of Correction Education, addressed fair participants in group and individual sessions.
The Education Fair was the innovation of the KNew Mind Productions Group, an association of inmates focused on fostering education and promoting lives free of crime and other destructive behaviors. Their goal is to direct inmates to positive second chances, enabling them to build better lives for themselves and their families.
Please contact Dr. Kenya Williams, Office of Correctional Education kenya.williams@cdcr.ca.gov
Article submitted by Candace Clevenger, Vaca Valley Adult School, SOL candace.clevenger@cdcr.ca.gov
Reprinted with the Permission of Rehabilitation Today
