Lake Technical College is happy to announce that the Adult Education program, “Correction Connection,” was just awarded a $13,700 grant from the United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties. The “Correction Connection” gives the inmates in the Lake County Detention Center who did not receive their traditional high school diploma the opportunity to earn it through passing the GED® test. This grant will be combined with other program funds and used to help expand the GED® preparation and academic remediation program currently available within the Lake County Detention Center.
During the 2016-17 school year, Lake Tech was able to provide 76 inmates with the program opportunity. Of these, 73% of the individuals successfully passed the GED® Test and earned their State of Florida High School Diploma or achieved literacy gains. The grant, in conjunction with additional funds and scholarships from Lake Tech’s internal Adult Education budget, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and Lake Sumter State College, the “Correction Connection” will now be offered as an opportunity to an increased number of inmates.
DeAnna Thomas, Assistant Director of Lake Technical College, states “While the program will be able to serve 100+ students face to face, the impact of this grant creates a positive impact on the economic growth and development for our community with specific focus on ‘Getting Lake County to Work’. Incarcerated individuals released with a high school credential is significant for the community, as they are more likely to secure sound employment, and become positive contributors to the public.” By implementing the “Correction Connection” initiative in this facility, the investment will produce a return that is vital to the economic self-sufficiency of those most at risk in Lake County. This program will provide GED classes, educational and career counseling, workforce readiness preparation, transitioning facilitation into post-secondary education upon release, and subsequent employment follow-up.