Reporters Invited to Inmate GED Graduation Ceremony at Broward Correctional Institution on November 17, 2010

WHAT: Forty-five inmates from Broward Correctional Institution will be presented with their diplomas and technical certificates for earning GEDs and vocational training on 11/17/10, at 1:00 PM EST. Reporters are invited to the graduation ceremony and to film/interview the graduates and teachers, some of whom are inmates themselves. The GED test consists of five parts and is similar to a high school degree. To earn a GED, one must pass a five part test consisting of reading/language and writing (including an essay), math, social studies and science.  If you fail just one part of the test, you do not earn a GED, but can retake the part you failed at a later time.  Career and technical programs involve classroom participation of 150-1600 hours.  Programs offered at Broward Correction Institution include: Personal Computer Support, Commercial Art Technology, and Fashion Design.  Students are awarded certificates of achievement by the Florida Department of Education. 

WHERE: BROWARD CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
              20421 SHERIDAN STREET
              PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33332

WHEN: 1:00 PM EST on Wednesday, November 17, 2010

WHO: Inmates at Broward Correctional Institution

Broward Correctional Institution is an adult female facility and reception center located in Broward County. It currently houses 700+ inmates ranging in custody from minimum to maximum.  Laura Griffin has been named the class valedictorian.

WHY:  Inmates have a better chance of staying out of prison if they have basic education. (Studies show inmates who have a GED when released recidivate at a rate 7.9% less than inmates overall.) The number of Florida state inmates earning GED certificates has nearly doubled in three years, increasing from 1,313 in FY 2006-07 to 2,603 awarded in FY 2009-10. The increase in GEDs earned can be attributed to several factors, including more frequent testing cycles to catch problem areas early; implementing voluntary literacy programs at our work camps; and the use of trained inmate teaching assistants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: If you’d like to attend, please contact Kathy Conner at (772) 468-3933 or 559-4426, so a background check can be completed.

DIRECTIONS TO PRISON: From I-75 (Pembroke Pines) exit onto Sheridan Street West. Travel west approximately three miles, the institution will be on your right. From US-27, travel east on Sheridan Street for approximately one mile. The institution will be on your left.