As COVID-19 safety protocols are eased in the detention center, Inmate Services staff have been working to expand inmate programs and increase participation. Programs provide inmates with a variety of educational, personal growth, and professional training opportunities, including two new ones, Workplace Readiness and In2Work, which both launched in May.

Over three weeks, eight inmates successfully completed the 30-hour Workplace Readiness Skills training through remote instruction from John Brown, President and Director of 5C’s Development Program. The first group to complete this program were all men, and women comprise the next class which started this month.

This certificate program directly correlates with the essential curriculum and professional competencies developed by the Virginia Department of Education. Workplace Readiness focuses on building professionalism, personal qualities, technology awareness and 21st century job skills to excel. Participants worked on customer service, conflict resolution, critical thinking, problem solving, listening, and communication, as well as workplace safety, efficiency, tools and technology, and professional expectations. With these skills and competencies, returning citizens will be more competitive candidates for employment and better prepared for successful reentry.

In2Work, another program focusing on professional development, also launched in May and currently eight inmates are participating in this 10-week program offered by Aramark, the food service contractor for the Alexandria Adult Detention Center. Participants work closely with Aramark staff in the kitchen and learn fundamental skills for success in the food service industry, as well as management skills related to restaurant operations, inventory and leadership. This training program prepares inmates for ServSafe® certification and upon successful completion of the program and exams, graduates are expected to earn their manager certification. This professional certification and work experience will increase employment opportunities for program graduates when they return to the community.

In addition to these programs, staff is working to expand interest in General Education Development (GED) preparation. This summer Inmate Services staff will be assigning handheld electronic Study Buddy devices to GED students that they can use in their housing units. The Sheriff’s Office is also purchasing GED instructional software that allows the education coordinator and students to work in English and Spanish. Three inmates have already passed their GED exams this year and 13 more are currently in the GED preparation program.