FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA–Since 2013, a cooperative effort between the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Central Alabama Community College has provided incarcerated female inmates with access to adult education classes.

Because many inmates in county jails like Shelby County’s are incarcerated for a very short length of time on average, the full GED program is difficult to accomplish.

Thus, the adult education program offered at the Shelby County Jail focuses on the students earning a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC).

Obtaining a CRC will increase a person’s career or work-ready skills and provides businesses a tool to help them identify career ready employees.

The ability to obtain their CRC while incarcerated in the Shelby County Jail means upon release the once former inmate will likely become gainfully employed in a shorter period of time.

CRCs are earned in four different levels; bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Since inception, 57 female inmates at the Shelby County Jail have completed the program and earned various level certificates.

One former inmate has even earned her National Platinum level certificate, the highest achievement in the program.

Sheriff John Samaniego is proud to be able to continue this highly beneficial program.

“By utilizing proceeds received from our inmate commissary account and investing them back into jail programs like our Career Readiness Certificate, we are able to help those who have been out of the workforce re-enter with valuable knowledge and skills,” said Samaniego.

For more information about this program, contact Captain Jay Fondren, Jail Commander, at 670-6141.