The DOC is a "Local Education Agency," which can be defined as a public authority legally recognized as an administrative agency for public elementary or secondary education. Within the DOC, the Division of Adult Institutions offers Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Career Technical Education (CTE/Vocational) programs at 18 correctional institutions and nine correctional centers for eligible inmates who are identified as having an academic or vocational need.
The ABE program includes General Education Development (GED); High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED); and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. The CTE/Vocational Program includes 23 vocational areas of study, with 13 possible apprenticeship opportunities. As of July 2016, the DOC has added post-secondary educational opportunities for associate and bachelor degree programs, in collaboration with the state's technical college system and four-year colleges and universities. For more information on ABE and CTE/Vocational programs, please see Opportunities and Options Resource Guide, which is available in both English and Spanish.
Screenings and assessments intended to evaluate an inmate’s educational literacy levels and needs are completed as part of DAI’s overall Assessment and Evaluation for Primary Education.
Adult Basic Education (ABE) Programs
- English as a Second Language
- General Education Development (GED)
- High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)
Career Technical Education (CTE)/Vocational Programs
- Auto Maintenance
- Barbering and Cosmetology
- Braille Transcription
- Building Maintenance and Construction
- Cabinetry and Cabinet Making
- Commercial Bakery
- Computer-Assisted Drafting
- Computer Help Desk
- Computer Literacy
- Computer Numerical Controls
- Culinary Arts and Food Service
- Custodial Services
- Industrial Maintenance Mechanics
- Horticulture
- Institution Food Production
- Machine Tool Operations
- Masonry
- Motorcycle, Marine, and Outdoor Products
- Multi-Operational Aide
- Office Assistant/Aide
- Office Software Applications
- Printing
- Welding