From cell to celebration: Inmates earn diplomas behind bars in Carson City
Carson Adult Education hosted a special ceremony Wednesday, June 25, to recognize offenders who earned something that can never be taken away from them—their education.
A total of 75 students earned their adult high school diplomas and 24 students were awarded their GED (General Educational Development).
The humble graduation ceremony was held at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center at 1721 E. Snyder Ave. in Carson City.
Several school officials and family members gathered to witness inmates walk in as “Pomp and Circumstance” played from a loudspeaker.
“Not everyone knows that the Carson City School District also has a responsibility to offer educational opportunities in our community’s correctional facilities,” said Andrew Feuling, superintendent for the Carson City School District. “It is always an inspiring day to see these men walk the stage and get recognized for their hard work and achievement. You can see it means a lot to them, whether aged 18 or 77, to finally have this moment in their life.”
Studies have found prison education programs to be transformative, offering inmates a sense of purpose while incarcerated and equipping them with tools for success after release, with as many as 43 percent less likely to reoffend or return to prison.
Society benefits because recidivism rates are significantly reduced when an inmate completes programming to receive a diploma, thus relieving capacity pressures on law enforcement and the correctional system, Feuling continued.
“I feel extremely lucky to work with such amazing teachers,” said Bob Chambers, director of Adult and Prison Education with the Carson City School District. “They are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities to their students. Everyone’s hard work culminates with this graduation celebration.”
Many offenders admit they disregarded school as teenagers but have since discovered a renewed sense of purpose through education. The education program offers a wide range of academic courses to enhance reading and math skills, as well as Career Technical Education and Workforce Preparation courses to equip incarcerated students for future employment opportunities upon release.
ABOUT Carson City School District
Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,300 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 alternative high school and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes, including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced-placement classes, among several others. For more information, visit carsoncityschools.com.
The post From cell to celebration: Inmates earn diplomas behind bars in Carson City appeared first on Carson Now.