Dodge State Prison Hosts GED Graduation

Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

51 Students receive diploma

FORSYTH, Ga. – On January 31, 51 offenders graduated from the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Program at Dodge State Prison (SP) located in Chester, Ga.  The group of 51 men is the largest graduating class to walk across the stage at Dodge SP.  This program is provided through a partnership with Oconee Fall Line Technical College which provides the offenders with testing. 

 “Through hard work and determination these offenders were able to accomplish the first goal in their reentry pathway,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “With the support of our educators and partners, we are confident that more offenders will reach their potential.”

During the ceremony, Melinda Dennis, GDC Academic Director stated, “No one rises to low expectations, set goals high and allow yourself the opportunity to succeed.”  According to offender Tevin Pattman, “I attempted to obtain my GED numerous times while on the street, but life always seemed to get in the way.  Being here gave me the time to study and to focus on improving myself.”  

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.

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 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.