Education

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The SDDOC offers a range of educational programs designed to equip offenders with essential skills and knowledge, ultimately supporting their reentry into society.

These programs include Academic/General Educational Development (GED), Career and Technical Education (CTE), Industry Certificates, and Social Science Education, each addressing different aspects of personal and professional development.

By utilizing information such as criminogenic risk, skill level, and goals for reentry, the SDDOC can ensure offenders are assigned to programming tailored to meet their specific needs. By providing offenders with academic, technical and social skills, these programs not only enhance their personal development, but also contribute to safer communities. Individuals who participate in these programs are more likely to find stable employment, develop positive relationships, and make informed choices, ultimately paving the way for a successful reentry into society.

Academic/GED Programming

Academic/GED Programming serves as a foundational educational opportunity, enabling offenders to earn their General Educational Development (GED) credential. This program is crucial for those who did not complete high school, providing them with the academic skills needed to pursue further education or employment opportunities upon release. By achieving a GED, individuals not only enhance their self-esteem but also increase their employability, as many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for job consideration.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offer offenders hands-on training in various trades and vocational skills. These programs are designed to meet industry standards and provide practical experience, which is integral for securing stable employment post-release. By gaining technical skills, offenders can transition into well-paying jobs that contribute to their economic stability and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

Examples of CTE programs offered to offenders are auto body, auto mechanic, construction technology, welding, and teknimedia.

Industry Certificates

Industry Certificates further complement the educational offerings by providing specialized training and credentials recognized by employers in specific fields. These certificates validate the skills acquired during programming and enhance the individual's resume, improving their employability upon reentry. By achieving industry-recognized certifications, offenders can demonstrate their commitment to personal growth and professional development, increasing their chances of securing meaningful employment.

Examples of Industry Certificates include Department of Transportation Flagging certification, inmate carpentry apprentice program in residential wiring, motors and controls and motors and transformers.

Social Science Education

Social Science Education addresses the social and cultural challenges faced by offenders during reentry into their communities. This aspect of education focuses on personal development, conflict resolution, communication skills, and understanding societal norms. Programs often include critical decision making and role-playing mimicking real life situations. By fostering emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, social science programming helps offenders build healthier relationships and cope with the challenges of reintegration into society.

Examples of Social Science Education offerings are Common Sense Parenting, Thinking for Change (T4C), Credit When Credit is Due, Moving On curriculum for female offenders, Prison Re-entry Program (PREP), and Women's Opportunity Resource Development (WORD).