Kentucky Incarcerated Individuals Achieve GED Milestone

LEXINGTON, KY – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) reported on Thursday that a total of 4,460 incarcerated individuals achieved their General Educational Development (GED) diplomas during the five-year period from 2020 to 2024. This significant milestone reflects an increase in accessibility to education for those within the correctional system.

During this period, enrollments in GED preparation classes, facilitated by KCTCS’s adult education instructors, rose substantially, reaching 14,441 students. These figures underscore KCTCS’s commitment to providing educational opportunities to individuals lacking a high school diploma, a priority that benefits both the individuals and the broader community.

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles stated, “When we say KCTCS is education for all, that’s exactly what we mean. Supporting those who lack a high school diploma is a key priority for our state and workforce.” Quarles was recently appointed to the Governor’s Council of Second Chance Employers, highlighting the importance of reintegrating educated individuals into the workforce.

Research indicates that education positively impacts not only the inmates but society as a whole. Maggie Price, director of student success at Maysville Community and Technical College, noted, “Allowing people to earn an education instills a sense of pride. I was always told, ‘no one can take your education away.’” Price further emphasized that individuals who earn their GED while incarcerated are less likely to reoffend, thereby reducing recidivism rates.

Fourteen KCTCS colleges serve as providers for Kentucky Adult Education (KYAE), the state agency overseeing the GED program. Classes are available in various settings, including county jails and prisons, ensuring that many have access to free educational resources. Interested individuals can visit the KYAE website to find programs in their area.

This initiative exemplifies how education can foster community rehabilitation and support individuals in their journey towards a more productive life. Investing in education for all, especially for those who will eventually reintegrate into society, is essential for building stronger, more resilient communities.