According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons…
- Over 30% of the federal inmate population are Hispanic
(https://www.bop.gov/about/statistics/statistics_inmate_ethnicity.jsp)
- 27% do not have a High School Diploma or GED equivalence
(https://www.bop.gov/about/statistics/docs/program_fact_sheet_201907.pdf)
Spanish is the most common non-English language in prison (cited by http://critcrim.org/esl-in-corrections.htm), and it is important for GTL to provide our education services to as many people as possible.
GTL provides content for inmates regardless of skill or educational level — from Job Readiness and Entrepreneurship to Contemporary Technology Skills and Staying Healthy.
Dr. Turner Nashe, EVP of Education Services at GTL, explains: “An inmate’s education level is proven to be one of the biggest factors in whether they will re-offend post release. GTL’s Education Services are focused on giving as many inmates the opportunity to access education as possible. Offering courses in Spanish is just one of the ways in which we can increase the number of students who can take part in this learning opportunity.”
Here is the complete list of courses that are currently also available in Spanish:
- Expectativas y resultados (Expectations and Outcomes)
This course is about planning for release from prison. Incarcerated individuals will have many priorities, goals, and objectives to keep in mind in their last week inside, their first week out, and in their first 90 days. This course helps students prepare to find work, get housing, and enlist support.
- Preparación para el trabajo (Job Readiness)
Individuals who are about to be released from prison need to be ready for a job hunt even before they are released. This course teaches students how to write a resume, prepare for an interview, and look for work by building a network.
- Educación de Abuso de Sustancias (Substance Abuse Education)
Alcohol and drug abuse are common problems among convicted felons. This course teaches the student more about drug and alcohol addiction. They will also learn about treatment options and the support options available to the student’s spouse or family members.
- Reunificación familiar y comunitaria (Family and Community Reunification)
If they are rejoining a spouse and children after their release, then this course teaches students more about what to expect. Students will also learn more about finding community resources that they will need to succeed after they are released.
- La resolución de conflictos (Conflict Resolution)
This course teaches students how to listen effectively and how to communicate their own ideas more effectively. These skills will prove useful in resolving conflicts. Students also learn about verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Habilidades de presentación (Presentation Skills)
Even if students never give a formal presentation at work or outside work, knowing how to speak effectively is crucial to their success on the job and in the community. This course teaches students how to present their ideas one-on-one or in front of a group.
- Gestión del tiempo (Time Management)
Everyone has many demands on their time, so good time management is crucial to thriving in society. Being able to set goals, monitor how they spend time, and establish priorities for their time is important. This course teaches students several techniques they can use to be more productive.
- Recursos de carrera (Career Resources)
Incarcerated individuals need to begin making concrete plans to find work before they are released. In this course, students learn how to identify realistic job options, find training, and make a real career plan.
- Educación Financiera (Financial Literacy)
The ability to manage their money wisely will be important to their success outside, even with a good job. This course teaches students how to make a budget and stick to it. They will also learn about debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts.
- Mi SWOT – Cómo usar tus conocimientos (My SWOT – How to use your Knowledge)
How to Use Their Knowledge – SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Students learn how to use this common business planning tool to help them make a success plan by working through their personal strengths and weaknesses and looking into possible problems and opportunities in their immediate future.
- Educación Básica (Basic Education)
Reading, writing, and arithmetic are vital skills. This course helps the student make a plan to improve those skills. Students learn about taking the GRE and college admissions exams.
- Cambio de comportamiento (Behavior Change)
This course teaches students about habits, how they form and why they can be so hard to change. Students learn some tactics for adopting good habits and breaking bad habits.
- Educación para la salud (Health Education)
Once released, incarcerated individuals will need to find affordable healthcare for themselves and their children. This course helps the student navigate the search for medical and dental care, protect themselves from communicable diseases and help their children stay healthy.
- Emprendimiento (Entrepreneurship)
Students interested in starting a small business after they are released will learn what it takes in this short course. The course covers developing a business idea, business planning, finding free sources of advice or mentoring, and finding money for the business.
- Educación Basada en Habilidades (Skill Based Education)
This course introduces options for training in a skilled trade. Students learn about apprenticeships, testing programs, sources of free or cheap training in a skilled trade, and about white collar trades.
- Habilidades de afrontamiento saludables (Healthy Coping Skills)
Incarcerated individuals learn how to handle negative experiences like anxiety, stress, and criticism. Students learn to manage their emotional reactions to those problems. Students also learn how to give criticism and complain in a constructive way.
- Paquete de identificación (Identification Package)
Everyone leaving prison will need certain identifying documents. This course describes the process for getting a driver’s license or photo ID, an official copy of the individual’s birth certificate, and a social security card.
- Habilidades tecnológicas contemporáneas (Contemporary Technology Skills)
Every working adult needs some skill in using computers. This course introduces students to common technology terms, explains smart phones and Wi-Fi, and shows students how to use computers. Students also learn where to get in-depth technology training after they are released.
- Haciendo ejercicio (Exercising)
Staying physically active is important to a person’s physical and mental health. This course introduces students to the benefits of exercising. The course also demonstrates several stretches and exercises that students can perform with no special equipment. Students also learn about the proven physical and mental health benefits of getting regular exercise.
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Media Contact:
Randy Brown
phone: 571-267-2780
email: [email protected]
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