Facilitating educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals

Our Office participated in the College Collaborative System by providing support and guidance on contracts between the County and six local community colleges to offer meaningful educational opportunities and career pathways to incarcerated people.  Community Colleges participating in this program include San José City College, Evergreen, Ohlone, Foothill, Mission, and Gavilan.  Examples of courses include welding, Auto 101, communication studies (including multimedia and podcasting), courses to become a veterinary assistant, and culinary courses.  Students in the College Collaborative System can access these educational opportunities at no cost and may continue their course work at any of the participating colleges after they are released from custody.