Jail U: New program aims to educate inmates

Tools

By EVAN WHITE

Story Created: May 12, 2009 at 1:15 PM EST

Story Updated: May 12, 2009 at 5:38 PM EST

ORISKANY, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Workplace Success Program turns the Oneida County Jail inmates who volunteer into students for 5 1/2 weeks. Organizers say that's Enough time for them to learn basic skills for the workforce or to further their education.

A handful of OCJ inmates are in the program which began in January. An MVCC instructor visits the jail to teach classes on interviewing techniques, communication skills, and leadership training. It's not a one size fits all course, there are concentrations such as business, "Since we started the gateway to business class they have been extremely receptive. We have five currently enrolled, who are doing fantastic. They'll have plans of matriculating into either a GED program or a college program," says Life Skills Program Manager Danielle Barhydt.

According to workforce development, the program started as a federally funded program with no college component 2 years ago. The program is federally funded $145,000 bill for the next six months.
Officials say there are no plans to expand the program beyond a class size of roughly a dozen students.

Utica Weather

Icon
Current Temp 23.0 °F
Fair
More Weather

AP Video

Stock Quotes

Permanent Client link holder

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On