IVCCs prison program reinstated
IVCCs educational program at the Sheridan Correctional Center will continue after Illinois Gov. George Ryan announced that he will reinstate the Department of Corrections’ vocational and educational funding.
“We are extremely appreciative of the governor’s action,” said president Dr. Jean Goodnow, who was at the Illinois Community College President’s Council meeting in Springfield when the announcement was made.
In December, the governor announced that he was cutting prison educational and vocational programs effective Feb. 2 to make up for a shortfall in the budget.
The $4 million needed to continue the program statewide will come from federal funds procured by the Department of Employment Security through the Workforce Investment Act, Ryan announced in a press release. IVCC has a $500,000 contract with the state to provide inmate educational programs.
Last semester, 182 Sheridan inmates took courses through IVCC. Since 1982, the college has awarded 2,506 degrees and certificates at Sheridan.
IVCC has seven employees at the site, offering programs such as culinary arts, computer technology, custodial training and small engine repair.Goodnow credited local legislators state Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) and state Sen. Patrick Welch (D-Peru) for their effort in lobbying the governor to re-establish funding for the program.
The educational programs also help save the state money. In fact, a study showed last year the state saved $330,000 in costs through “good time” earned by Sheridan Correctional Center inmates. The only way Sheridan inmates can earn “good time” is by taking the IVCC classes.
Numerous research studies indicate released offenders who have complete higher education and training are significantly less likely to return to prison than offenders who chose not to participate in courses.
Across the state, Ryan’s reinstatement of funding canceled layoffs for vocational instructors and other staff from 10 community colleges.