Austin Community College District (ACC) partners with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) to create a customized pathway for Travis County Correctional Complex inmates. The program, launched in October, aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to secure meaningful employment upon release, ultimately helping to reduce recidivism rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBy creating opportunities to learn new skills, we are opening doors to second chances,\u201d says ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. \u201cThis program represents a significant step forward in transforming lives through education. When people can access the skills they need to find meaningful work, it helps break the cycle of incarceration and gives them a better chance to contribute positively to society.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through ACC\u2019s Office Administration & Technology Department and Continuing Education Department, the program offers instruction in basic computer skills tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals in TCSO custody. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Classes occur in a specially equipped classroom at the Travis County Correctional Complex. TCSO set up the classroom with computers and ACC will provide qualified instructors to deliver the training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m so excited about this partnership. We know that when people leave our custody, being able<\/p>\n\n\n\n
to get a job and be a success is very challenging,\u201d says Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez. This gives them something to build on. People with a career, people with hope, people with vision don\u2019t come back to the Travis County Jail. It\u2019s important to us to invest now so that people have a big chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This initiative lays a foundation for jobs that offer higher wages and greater stability by giving participants the tools to understand essential software, navigate the digital world, and perform administrative tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrograms like this play a critical role in addressing recidivism, a significant challenge in the criminal justice system. Providing access to education while incarcerated reduces the likelihood of reoffending,\u201d says Deborah Benavidez, professor of Business Office Technology. \u201cProviding skills-based training and job placement support helps individuals transition more successfully back into the community, where they can find sustainable employment and build a productive life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first cohort is expected to complete their program in January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information on the Office Administration & Technology program at ACC, click here. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n