The Bureau of Education provides meaningful opportunities to incarcerated individuals, helping them better themselves and equipping them with competencies conducive to successful social reintegration. Offerings include, academic education, career and technical education (CTE), library services, transition programs, and services specific to special needs and youthful offender populations. The Bureau of Education also coordinates teacher certification for the Department’s correctional educators.

Academic Education

Academic education is the provision of traditional coursework (e.g. math, English, reading, science, social studies, etc.) to general and special populations through various programs. Students in academic education may work toward earning their high school diploma or equivalency, or may complete coursework for self-betterment. Academic education programs include adult basic education (ABE), mandatory literacy, GED® preparation, close management education, education for young adults and youthful offenders (Title I), special education services, voluntary literacy, and local education agency (LEA) programs.

Media Coverage of FDC Academic Education

Career & Technical Education

The Florida Department of Corrections provides 92 career and technical education (CTE) courses in 37 distinct vocational trades spanning 11 career clusters aligned to Florida’s in-demand occupations. Expansion of programs has been realized through contracted education partners that include state colleges, technical colleges, and community providers. Technical training, employability skill development and industry recognized credentialing are integrated into the CTE programs and ensure returning citizens are job-ready upon release. Carl D. Perkins Grant and Inmate Welfare Trust funds supplement CTE programming needs.

 

 

 

Media Coverage of FDC Career and Technical Education

Community Transition Services

The Florida Department of Corrections is committed to creating successful reintegration opportunities for returning citizens as proven by establishing strong partnerships with industries, education entities, community service providers, and governmental agencies. By introducing technology to drive collaboration partnerships with employment providers, the Department is maximizing an evidence-based transition approach that seamlessly and successfully links pre-release training to supported and assisted post-release reintegration.

Canine Obedience Training

Through collaborative partnerships between the Florida Department of Corrections and various animal service organizations, the Department operates numerous Canine Obedience Training Programs throughout the State. These programs are intended to increase the adoptability of the canines and provide inmates with job skills beneficial upon release. During the training period, dogs receive socialization and are taught basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come and to walk by your side without pulling on the leash. Participating inmates can earn up to four credentials by successfully demonstrating competencies learned in the program.

These programs vary between eight weeks to up to 18 months. To locate the program closest to you, click the county listing and contact the service provider for information about dogs available for adoption.

Higher Education in Prison (HEP) Programs

As part of the United States Department of Education’s Second Chance Experimental Site Initiative which offers Pell grant funds to incarcerated individuals, the Florida Department of Corrections is committed to working with three (3) of Florida’s renowned colleges and universities, Florida Gateway College, Miami-Dade College, and Palm Beach State College, as well as Ashland University out of Ashland, Ohio, to offer accredited, credit-bearing Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in six (6) institutions throughout the state. Through a variety of instructional platforms to include face-to-face, virtual, and online learning platforms, the Department is expanding high-quality educational opportunities to individuals in its custody and care. Research shows that postsecondary education can reduce recidivism and increase employability and earnings for returning citizens. For more information about these programs and eligibility requirements, please click here.

Library Services

The FDC offers general library and law library services at all major institutions. General Library services include many of the same services found in public libraries. Law Library Services facilitate legally mandated inmate access to courts in accordance with important state and federal case law, as well as Florida statutes.