Non-violent offenders who are incarcerated at the Scott County Security Center are being provided with an opportunity for a better future once released. Through a cooperative agreement between the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development – Region 10, those lacking a high school diploma or a GED are now able to achieve certification in secondary education. The training is being provided with support from the City of Scottsburg through the use of the training room in the newly renovated Bacala Center.
High school equivalency certification can be obtained in as little as six to eight weeks. The goal of the program is to reduce the potential for a relapse back into crime and prepare incarcerated adults for employment and continuing education when released. The program serves up to 28 people at a time.
“By educating people, we are positioning them for better opportunities once they exit the system,” said Scott County Sheriff Dan McClain. “We are helping families stop the cycle, and that’s good for everyone in the community.”
Through a contract with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the program is part of a broader adult education program managed by the Scott County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) to improve workforce quality in Indiana Growth Region 10 which encompasses Crawford, Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington counties. The program is one of the top adult education programs in Indiana and was the only one to meet and exceed goals set forth by the state. SCEDC’s successful management of the program resulted in a 62 percent increase in additional 2014 funding from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The program is expected to nearly double this year, serving the educational needs of more than 2,000 adults.
“We are focused on developing a highly skilled workforce in Scott County,” said Robert Peacock, executive director of the SCEDC. “An educated workforce is key to our success in expanding economic development and job creation in all employment sectors.”
