Ivy Tech Selected as Educational Partner for DOC
Ivy Tech South Bend campus. (IIB photo courtesy: Wes Mills)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIvy Tech Community College will serve as an educational partner with the Indiana Department of Correction. The college says it will provide Adult Basic Education services and college-credit courses at 15 correctional facilities across the state.
The IDOC says the Adult Basic Education program provides learning opportunities up to a high school equivalency diploma for incarcerated individuals to assist in providing them the best chances for successful re-entry.
“We are pleased to partner with the Indiana Department of Correction and thankful for our Madison campus leading in these efforts,” Ivy Tech Community College President Sue Ellspermann said. “As the state’s community college, we serve various populations all with the same goal in mind – to utilize education to take the next step in their journey. Those journeys are different for everyone, but in the end, we serve the people of our state through accessible world-class education meeting our students where they are at.”
Under the leadership of the Ivy Tech Madison campus, the college says nearly 90 employees will serve an estimated 3,600 incarcerated individuals, providing workforce prep activities, integrated education and training, integrated English literacy and civics education, and English as a second language skills.
“Education is important for the incarcerated population we serve and is an essential part of our mission for successful re-entry into communities upon release from an Indiana DOC facility. This partnership allows us to continue fulfilling that mission,” IDOC Deputy Commissioner of Re-Entry and Youth Services Christine Blessinger said.
Ivy Tech says the services will be aligned to the guidelines and requirements of the Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
“This is another great example of Ivy Tech teaming up with the state of Indiana as we embrace our vision of economic transformation inspired by the educational attainment of our citizens, the vitality of our workforce, and the prosperity of our unique and diverse communities,” Ivy Tech Madison Chancellor Molly Dodge said.
Through the four-year agreement, Ivy Tech says the goal of the integrated English literacy and civics education program is to provide a program that can prepare adults for employment in in-demand occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency.