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| For many inmates, crossing graduation stage is first steps into new life |
| By gazette.net - Abby Brownback |
| Published: 12/01/2011 |
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Orange jumpsuits peeked out from under their black graduation robes, but nine inmates grinned as they clutched the high school diplomas they were awarded Monday afternoon in Upper Marlboro. Prince George’s officials celebrated this most recent graduation as a success story of efforts to reduce recidivism rates by encouraging inmates to earn a diploma or a certification, such as in barbering. Those who do so are much less likely to return to the Department of Corrections after their release, officials said. The recidivism rate for all inmates is more than 40 percent, but less than 3 percent among those who earn high school diplomas or certifications during their incarceration, said W. Stephan Simmons, chief of the Department of Corrections’ program services division. “It’s amazing how receiving a piece of paper, some certification or completion, has helped dramatically reduce recidivism,” he said. Earning a diploma or a certification makes the inmates more marketable when they apply for jobs after their release, Simmons said, and it gives them something constructive to do while in jail. “If you don’t have at least a high school diploma, you can’t even work at any of the fast food restaurants anymore,” he said. Twenty inmates at the county’s Department of Corrections have earned diplomas since May. Nine of those celebrated with about 40 family members, friends and fellow inmates at Monday’s graduation ceremony that featured a traditional commencement speech and some not-so-traditional musical numbers performed by inmates. “Getting to this point in your life is an accomplishment, but you must understand education is a journey, not a destination,” said Col. William J. Smith, the deputy director of the county’s Bureau of Administration. Rodney Wilson, a 17-year-old inmate from Cheverly, is taking these words to heart. After he is released, Rodney, who passed the state high school diploma exam in September, wants to attend culinary school in preparation to own a restaurant one day. Read More. |
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