MONMOUTH COUNTY – Inmates at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) are making an effort to provide themselves with a better future by going back to school.
Sheriff Shaun Golden announced that the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Division continues to assist inmates and give them to opportunity to change their life.
Over the past 18 months, nine inmates from the MCCI have been studying for their GED (high school equivalency diplomas) online through a program run by the Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission.
“The inmate’s dedication to obtaining their diploma during the COVID-19 pandemic speaks volumes. They worked hard and stayed focused on their goals during an unprecedented time,” MCSO said in a statement.
The inmates officially became graduates of the program on March 30 and received their high school diploma from the State of New Jersey during a special ceremony at MCCI.
“I am gratified by the commitment these graduates made. They used their time at MCCI in a constructive manner that will benefit them for the rest of their lives,” Golden said. “The wrong choices that brought the graduates to MCCI have provided these individuals the opportunity to make the right choices about furthering their education and changing their lives.”
In 2007, this specialized virtual online GED program began at the jail. As of 2022 a total of 211 inmates have graduated from the program. They study math, science, social studies, reading and writing five days a week to prepare for the GED exam. The online program runs throughout the entire year.
The administration of the Monmouth Ocean Educational Services Commission consists of GED Teacher Michael Rhodes and Lt. Daniel Hansson and Capt. Jason McCauley, who handle the program administration for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division.
“Education is the key to a productive future,” Golden said. “No one can take that knowledge away. I’m hopeful these graduates will use it as they move forward and transition back into society for positive change.”
