Kendall County Sheriff Announces Education Program For Inmates

From the Kendall County Sheriff's Office:

KENDALL COUNTY, IL — The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office has recently partnered with Waubonsee Community College to provide adult education instructional services to individuals incarcerated at the Kendall County Jail.

This program is funded by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and its focus is to
provide instructional services to incarcerated individuals to facilitate their successful completion
of the High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma in the state of Illinois. The goal is to provide
educational opportunities for inmates to overcome barriers and reduce recidivism.

Inmates enrolled in the course will meet for three hours, two times each week. The course will use a blended learning format, which encompasses both tablet-based and classroom learning, to
prepare for the HSE exam. Participants also receive educational transition services that will
inform them about college and career opportunities, and how to achieve the necessary credentials
to gain employment in desired fields.

Researchers have found that inmates who participate in correctional education programs have 43
percent lower odds of returning to prison than those who do not. Employment after release was
13 percent higher among inmates who participated in either academic or vocational education
programs than those who did not.

“I am proud of this partnership and other similar programs instituted at the Kendall County Jail
which are aimed at reducing recidivism. This is achieved by taking an active role in preparing
these men and women to effectively reintegrate into the community and lead productive lives
following their release from incarceration.” said Sheriff Dwight Baird.