Seventeen Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) residents were recently named to the President’s Honor Roll, with another nine named to the Vice-President’s Honor Roll, for classes taken at Hutchinson Community College (HCC) throughout 2020 and 2021.

“Even under the best academic conditions, this would be a noteworthy achievement,” said Kansas Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda, “but to do so while a resident in a correctional facility is a true indication of personal discipline and commitment.”

Participating in college programs while incarcerated can make the difference to an individual’s success upon release. While many factors contribute to that success, finding a steady job that pays a livable wage is critical.

“We are beginning to see more and more success stories as our programs increase and more residents participate,” Zmuda said.

Education programs are available at all Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) facilities, though specific programs vary by location. For the Spring 2022 semester, approximately 60 HCF residents are enrolled in 14 different classes through the community college. All instruction is delivered at the facility, with additional resources available online using APDS (American Prison Data Systems) tablets.

HCC offers an Associates of Applied Science Technical Studies degree at the correctional facility, consisting of 60 hours of college programming. Included in those hours are trade classes in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Carpentry, plus several business classes and electives such as Fundamentals of Sociology and Intro to Psychology.

“I am hearing very encouraging remarks from the residents in our classes, and we have a growing waitlist,” said Cindy Rowland, HCC education coordinator for the correctional facility.  “We have met with our private industry employers who are supportive of working with us so the men can keep their jobs and attend school at the same time.”

Residents pay tuition to take classes and can receive support through U.S. Department of Education Second Chance Pell Grants.