IET in Corrections: Virtual Learning Series

The Integrating Education and Training (IET) in Corrections project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE), is pleased to announce a series of technical assistance activities available for states and local program staff to engage in over the next two years.

This project is designed to support the development of IET programs in correctional settings. As a first step, the project is launching a virtual learning series that is open to all correctional education stakeholders and will provide an overview of IET programs, federal and state requirements, and corrections-specific considerations. Examples of IET programs in correctional settings will also be shared. The virtual learning series will begin with an orientation webinar on February 22nd from 4-5pm ET. Registration is now open.

The virtual learning series will have four additional webinars open to all stakeholders in March 2021:

  • First Steps: Assessing Readiness for Developing IET Programs in Corrections
    March 4, 2021 from 3-4pm ET
    This webinar will describe readiness factors for developing IET programs and discuss specific considerations for correctional settings.
    Register now
  • IET Programs in Jails
    March 11, 2021 from 2:30-4pm ET
    This webinar will focus on planning IET programs in jails. It will include a panel discussion with jail-based IET programs and an opportunity to discuss jail-specific considerations with your colleagues. 
    Register now.
  • IET Programs in Prisons 
    March 19, 2021 from 1-2:30pm ET
    This webinar will focus on planning IET programs in prisons. It will include a panel discussion with prison-based IET programs and an opportunity to discuss prison-specific considerations with your colleagues. 
    Register now.
  • Second Steps: Applying for the IET in Corrections Pilot
    March 30, 2021 from 1-2pm ET

    This webinar will support potential applicants in completing the pilot application.
    Register now.

Recordings and slides from the virtual learning series are available upon request. Please contact Michelle Tolbert (mtolbert@rti.org) or Jessie Stadd (jstadd@rti.org).

Comments

Thanks Jessie for sharing this incredible project. I am excited to be working with your team on this project and encourage all of our community to learn more about IET's in the correctional setting. I hope to be sharing more in the future and encourage anyone with questions to feel free to post in our community and I am sure that Jessie or someone on the team will reply. I also hope that we can keep an ongoing discussion going on this topic and will be creating a small group for those interested. 

We have been running an IET program at HCSD in Ludlow, MA for the past five years for our incarcerated men who have stepped down to a  pre-release status. We have successfully partnered with Holyoke Community College to offer a 15 week program in Culinary Arts/HiSET prep. Our students are concurrently enrolled in a Saturday program where they learn hands-on culinary skills in a state-of-the-art kitchen at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute. During the week, they participate in a semi contextualized HiSET program and concentrate on learning "math for chefs" and reading and writing content from the ServSafe for Managers text. By the end of the 15 week cycle, students have worked toward earning an HSE and graduate our program with an OSHA-10 card, Allergen Certificate, ServSafe Credential, Kitchen Cook Certificate and a resume that showcases the culinary skills gained in the program. The students' advisor/job coach assists with employment opportunities with our partner employers. Currently, we are the only County House of Corrections in MA that is funded by DESE to offer and IET program.

Thanks for sharing Susanne. I am curious if you have been successful placing students post release and what their retention rate has been. I also wonder if you have had any direct impact as a result of COVID19 and the closure or limiting of restaurants. Great job. Jeff A 

The IET in Corrections Orientation Session was awesome. Looking forward to learning and sharing more as this exciting project takes shape across the country. If you have any questions regarding the IET in Corrections project, please feel free to post and share. Jeff A

OCTAE’s Integrated Education and Training (IET) in Correctional and Reentry Education project’s application for participation in the pilot is now available! Pilot participants will receive technical assistance to develop and/or enhance IET programming in correctional settings.

The application team must be led by a state’s adult education state director or correctional education state director. States can select 1 or 2 programs in your state to participate in the pilot (with a preference given to applicants with 2 programs). Applications are due on April 15, 2021.

To learn more about the application, please register for a one-hour webinar on March 30, 2021 at 1pm ET. Registration is now open. To receive an application or submit questions, please email Jessie Stadd at jstadd@rti.org. Questions must be received by March 29, 2021, and all responses will be made public.