Wartburg, Tenn. – Dozens of inmates at the Morgan County Correctional Complex were awarded High School Equivalency Diplomas and Career and Technical Education Certificates during a graduation ceremony on September 16.

During the ceremony, 43 inmates were awarded High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) Diplomas, which will assist them in obtaining a job once they are released. Having their HiSET diploma also allows them to take more vocational classes offered at MCCX, as well as post-secondary degree programs offered by partnering colleges and universities.

“Less than 35% of inmates have a high school diploma when they enter TDOC custody,” said MCCX Associate Warden of Treatment Jordan Clark. “Our education staff here at Morgan County work really hard to help as many inmates as they can earn that diploma, so that they can keep going in their educational journey.”

An additional 24 inmates earned a Career and Technical Education Certificate, which will assist them in finding well-paying, stable employment upon their release from incarceration.

“The majority of offenders will be released back into their communities at some point,” said Clark. “By helping improve their lives through these educational programs, we increase the likelihood of them becoming productive citizens once they are released, which not only helps them become good community members, but it also helps make our communities safer.”

Graduation ceremonies such as this one emphasize TDOC’s commitment to improving the lives of those in custody, promoting successful reentry, and reducing recidivism through effective, evidence-based programming, community partnerships, and reentry services.