Department Launches GED Fast Track for Offenders

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Implemented at Three Medium Security Facilities

Forsyth —The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has launched a fast track education program for qualified offenders.  This new program will allow eligible offenders to earn their General Education Diploma (GED) in 10-12 weeks and become eligible for further vocational and job training programs. The GED Fast Track launched at three medium security prisons; Johnson, Lee Arrendale and Washington State Prisons on July 7, 2014.

The GED Fast Track program is designed for offenders with higher reading and math levels. Offenders are accessed in every subject area prior to the beginning of their course work. After diagnosing offenders per subject areas, individualized subject area programs are designed to meet the learners’ individual needs. The fast track program will allow offenders to earn their GED within 10-12 weeks instead of the average 16-18 months it takes to complete the average GED program.

“With over 27,000 offenders that have self-reported as not having a high school diploma, offering this additional programming will allow for more offenders to earn their GED,” said GDC Commissioner Brian Owens. “Offender education is a top priority in our departmental efforts towards criminal justice reform.”

 The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners and over 160,000 probationers.  It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.