Several HCC students pass National Career Readiness test
Apr 24, 2019
The Houston Community College (HCC) Corrections Education Program is at the forefront of combatting recidivism, as well as improving the lives of those incarcerated. Recently, 77 percent of the students enrolled in HCC’s Corrections Education Program received a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) from ACT WorkKeys—nine of those earned a platinum ranking, which is the highest available, 15 earned gold, and 97 students earned silver or bronze rankings.
The NCRC measures and certifies the essential work skills needed for career success, and tests students on applied math, workplace documents, and graphic literacy. The assessments are web-based and offered in both English and Spanish. Tens of thousands of employers across the U.S. recognize the value of the NCRC, and many recommend the credential to potential job candidates because it verifies the skills found to be most essential across industries and occupations.
“The Corrections Education Department faculty and staff are immensely proud of the achievements of students in our program,” said Robert Sims, Director of Correction Education. “We know that education is the key to lowering recidivism and it is our mission to offer quality education to incarcerated students. This is proof that we are on the right track. It is our sincere hope that the time spent in HCC classrooms will help put students on the path to a better life.”
Serving more than 3,500 inmate students each year, the Corrections Education Program is a partnership between HCC and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Established in 1973, the program provides non-credit educational services to incarcerated individuals, and HCC was the first community college in the country to be accredited by the Correctional Education Association. Today, the Corrections Education Program offers inmates the opportunity to take courses in culinary arts, auto body repair and mechanics, welding, business technology, graphic arts, logistics, warehouse management, and workplace literacy.
Providing courses like these allow incarcerated students to improve their lives and skills set. They also substantially cut down on recidivism when inmates finish their sentences and return to society. A 2013 RAND Corporation study showed that inmates who take part in prison education programs—whether academic or vocational—are more than 40 percent less likely to commit a crime when they are released. Prison education also provides inmates with a smoother transition back to society.
“The skills training that inmates receive is essential to their successful transition into society,” said Sims. “And with these skills, former prisoners are provided with the skills and opportunity to apply for jobs and be productive members of society.”
During its 46-year history, HCC’s Corrections Education Program has grown and adapted its curriculum to meet the region’s changing trends and needs.