Corrections Education

Benefiting All Citizens

Many individuals entering correctional facilities lack the essential literacy and employment skills required to succeed in their communities. Studies show that incarcerated individuals who engage in education programs are nearly 50% less likely to reoffend compared to those who do not participate. Through Washington's Community and Technical Colleges, these individuals can acquire valuable education and skills that empower them to secure meaningful employment, leading to higher income and increased social and economic mobility upon reentry into society.

Washington’s Corrections Education programs benefit all citizens of Washington state:

  • When Justice-Involved Individuals are given the opportunity to acquire job skills, they are more likely to succeed in the community after release. Successful individuals contribute to the community through employment, tax payments, restitution, and support for family members.
  • Educated Justice-Involved Individuals have lower rates of recidivism, leading to a decrease in long-term costs for taxpayers. Education plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of reoffending, with higher education levels correlating with lower recidivism rates.
  • Education programs align with the objectives outlined in the state's Offender Accountability Act, providing targeted interventions and seamless services. Justice-Involved Individuals who attain literacy and job skills are better prepared to secure and maintain employment, support their families, and actively contribute to their communities.

Contacts

Hanan Al-Zubaidy
Associate Director for Corrections Education
hal-zubaidy@sbctc.edu
360-704-4358

Chastity Pennington
Program Administrator for Corrections Education
cpennington@sbctc.edu
360-704-1052

  • Airway Heights Corrections Center – Community Colleges of Spokane
  • Cedar Creek Corrections Center  – Centralia College
  • Clallam Bay Corrections Center – Peninsula College
  • Coyote Ridge Corrections Center – Walla Walla Community College
  • Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women – Olympic College
  • Monroe Correctional Complex – Edmonds College
  • Olympic Corrections Center – Peninsula College
  • Stafford Creek Corrections Center – Grays Harbor College
  • Washington Corrections Center – Centralia College
  • Washington Corrections Center for Women – Olympic College
  • Washington State Penitentiary – Walla Walla Community College

Every prison offers adult basic education programs, which provide a foundational education in reading, writing, math and English language. This includes GED® preparation programs.

Several prisons also offer High School Plus, a competency-based high school diploma program. With HS+, students can earn high school credits by proving they have mastered required subjects through past education or life experience. They then take classes to fill in the gaps and earn a high school diploma.

Job-search and anger management courses are also available at every prison.

  • Accounting and Bookkeeping
  • Autobody Collision and Repair
  • Automotive Mechanics Technology
  • Business Administration and Management
  • Carpentry
  • Computer Numerical Controlled Manufacturing (CNC)
  • CNC Machining
  • Computer Programming
  • Diesel Mechanics
  • Digital Media: Web and Multimedia
  • Drywall, Roofing and Siding
  • Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
  • Horticulture
  • HVAC Technology
  • I-BEST Automotive*
  • I-BEST Carpentry*
  • I-BEST HVAC Technology
  • I-BEST CNC Machining
  • Pre-Apprenticeships/Construction Trades
  • Technical Design and Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Welding

* Washington’s nationally recognized I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) program pairs basic education with hands-on job experience so students learn in real-world settings.