RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Corrections is introducing a new program to help inmates return to society more successfully.
VADOC announced a new literacy program called Reading Enables All Learners REAL. This program is designed for inmates who either can’t read or can only read at a basic level.
Reading is vital for all areas of education, said Terri Erwin, Director of the Virginia Interfaith Center’s Consensus for Higher Education in Prison.
The program will be self-paced and taught by certified inmate tutors. It aims to help inmates learn to read so they can eventually join a GED program. Data shows that inmates who leave VADOC with a GED are less likely to re-offend (16.9%) compared to the general prison population (18.2%).
National statistics show that earning a bachelor’s degree reduces the chance of re-offending by 46%. Even getting an associate degree or a high school diploma helps reduce the risk.
Erwin believes that investing in education for inmates benefits everyone in Virginia by helping them become productive members of society after they’re released.
The real danger is when people leave prison unprepared, said Erwin. We have the chance now to guide them from early education all the way through college degrees. We all know a college degree makes it easier to find good jobs.
VADOC plans to expand the REAL program statewide by the end of the year.