Media Invitation: Inmate GED and Vocational Graduation at Hardee Correctional Institution

WHAT:	Inmates will receive a certificate and/or diploma for earning their GED (23), Vocational-Carpentry (7) and Safe Food Service (8). Reporters will have the opportunity to film and interview graduates, instructors, 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. Failure of any one sections requires the student to retake the failed portion of the test. The Carpentry vocational certificate includes 300 hours of classroom teaching and study along with 300 hours of hands-on training with the essential tools of the trade.
WHERE:	Hardee Correctional Institution 6901 State Road 63 Bowling Green, Florida 33834-9505
WHEN:	Friday, March 1, 2013 at 9:30 a.m.
WHY:	To provide education and skills to inmates with the goal of reducing recidivism and giving them the opportunity to become contributing members of the community they live in.
NOTE:	If you wish to attend the Hardee Hero Hounds graduation ceremony, please contact the Department of Corrections’ Communications Office at (850) 488-0420 several days before the scheduled graduation, as attendees will need to complete and submit a Media Access Form. DIRECTIONS TO HARDEE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION: Southbound: State Route 60 West to US 17 South to State Route 62 West. Drive 15 miles, Hardee Correctional Institution will be on the left hand side. Northbound: US 17 North to State Route 62 West. Left on State Route 62 West for 15 miles. Hardee Correctional Institution will be on the left hand side.

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As Florida's largest state agency, the Department of Corrections employs more than 25,000 members statewide, oversees more than 100,000 inmates and supervises nearly 120,000 offenders in the community.

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