Commissioner : Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison Hosts Graduation

FORSYTH, Ga. – On September 27, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison hosted a joint graduation ceremony at the facility located in Jackson, Ga. There were 50 men who received their GED, and 36 who received OJT (On-the-Job Training) certificates.

“When an offender has an education or a marketable skill, their chance of gaining employment upon release increases significantly,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “We are thankful to the educators who encouraged the offenders, as well as the officers who ensured they could attend class while still maintaining security and safety inside the facility.”  

At the event, the valedictorian recognized instructor Lisa Romera And Officer Natasha Melson with the agency’s Golden Apple Award, for their exemplary effort in helping the offenders earn their diplomas.

The GED program provides educational services to offenders who did not complete their high school education prior to incarceration. Students must pass tests in four basic subject areas: Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.

OJT programming provides offenders the opportunity to earn a technical certificate while employed on a work assignment. The graduates participated in various programs, including: Computer Programs, Cook Apprentice, Firefighter Programs, Groundskeeper, Custodial Maintenance, Laundry, General Clerk, Food Prep, Maintenance Building Repair, Warehouse, and Baker.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.