GDC Programs Continue to Prepare Offenders for Reentry

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Offenders achieve High School Equivalences and CTHE certificates

FORSYTH, Ga – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) announced the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) accomplishments of its Academic Education and Career, Technical and High Education Program units in their efforts to ensure offenders are provided with opportunities for success.  During FY21, offenders earned more than 25,000 certifications and diplomas.

“Thanks to our dedicated educators and staff members, our Academic and CTHE programs assisted offenders in obtaining valuable knowledge and skills,” said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “Upon earning their High School Equivalencies and CTHE certificates, the offenders have tools that will benefit them as they prepare to reenter society.

Within Academic Education, the GDC offers eight educational programs consisting of title 1, special education, literacy remedial reading, adult basic education, GED, charter HS, English as second only language, and braille. The agency's Academic Education department awarded 1,133 High School Equivalencies during FY21, with 1,091 offenders earning a GED and 42 students receiving their High School diplomas from Foothills Education Charter High School. 

The CTHE unit prepares inmates for employment in 25 various trade programs, while working with the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia to certify and deliver programs to offenders.  During FY21, 23,953 offenders completed a CTHE program.  Additionally, Coastal State Prison, Pulaski State Prison, and Wheeler Correctional Facility earned more than 1,000 CTHE completions in FY21. 

The combined efforts of partner agencies, instructors, counselors, On-the-Job-Training coordinators, and correctional officers make the success of education programs possible. Learn more about the Inmate Services programs provided by the GDC.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising approximately 47,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.