Education and Vocational Training
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has long recognized the importance of education
as both an opportunity for inmates to improve their knowledge and skills and
as a correctional management tool that encourages inmates to use their time
in a constructive manner.
Each Federal prison has its own education department that provides education
and recreational activities to Federal inmates.
While BOP inmates have access to a variety of educational programs, literacy
education receives the highest priority. With few exceptions, an inmate who
does not have a GED credential must participate in a literacy program for a
minimum of 240 instructional hours or until he or she earns a GED credential.
The English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) program enables inmates with limited
English proficiency to improve their English language skills. Due to legislation
passed in 1990, non-English proficient inmates must participate in an ESL program
until they pass competency skills tests at the eighth grade level.
The BOP provides a wide range of occupational training programs, which give
inmates the opportunity to obtain marketable skills. Course offerings are based
on general labor market conditions, institution labor force needs, and vocational
training needs of inmates. Also, many institutions have established apprenticeship
programs, which are registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training
of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Adult Continuing Education (ACE) activities are formal instructional classes
designed to enrich inmates' general knowledge in a wide variety of subjects,
such as writing, foreign languages, and math. Parenting programs are offered
throughout the Bureau of Prisons. These programs are designed to help inmates
maintain family ties and parental bonds during incarceration. Activities include
parenting education, community-based social services, family literacy programs,
and parent/child visiting room activities.
BOP recreation programs are intended to help reduce idleness, stress, and boredom
associated with incarceration. Keeping inmates constructively occupied is essential
to the safety of correctional staff, inmates, and the surrounding community.
Further, these programs are designed to promote health, to reduce illness and
related costs, and to increase the potential for post-release involvement in
constructive recreation and health-related activities.
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