Va. Department of Corrections expands prison literacy program

The Virginia Department of Corrections is expanding its prison literacy program in a bid to improve the educational attainment of inmates and provide them with a better chance of successfully transitioning into society after release.

The new Reading Enables All Learners program will provide non- and beginner-level readers with the opportunity to learn at their own pace using certified inmate tutors.

The program is currently being implemented in small groups in libraries and other non-classroom settings, but is expected to be rolled out statewide by the end of 2024.

“We realized a necessary first step for some inmates is to master the basics before they can successfully engage with a GED program,” VADOC Director Chad Dotson said. “By bringing their reading skills up to the necessary grade level, we are ensuring these inmates can successfully transition to a HSE course and build a lasting skill that will open doors for inmates upon reentry.”

Data shows that educational programs help to lower the criminal recidivism rates for offenders, especially among those who earn a GED.

More than 125 different programs are offered by the VADOC to inmates and supervisees, with further plans to develop more such initiatives in the future.