MONMOUTH COUNTY – Inmates at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) are striving for a brighter 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.
For the past 16 weeks, a total of 11 inmates from MCCI have been studying for their GED (high school equivalency diplomas) online through a program run by the Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission.
On April 28, they officially became graduates of the program and received their high school diploma from the State of New Jersey during a special ceremony at MCCI.
There were 11 inmates who studied hard and attained their high school equivalency diplomas. (Photo courtesy Monmouth Prosecutor’s Office)
“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 222 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 is run through Jennifer Tu – GED Teacher. Lt. Daniel Hansson and Lt. Jonathan Gaul 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.”
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, Monmouth Ocean Educational Services Commission and staff at MCCI for their support in this program.
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