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ACC, Sheriff’s Department Award 17th HS Diploma to Incarcerated Graduate

ACC, Sheriff’s Department Award 17th HS Diploma to Incarcerated Graduate

By Jon Young | 10/04/2024

inmate, diploma, ceremony

Pictured with Detention Center graduate Jorge Morgado are (from left) Rev. Rickiah Wingfield of First Elon Baptist Church; United Way staff members Sally Gordon and Candy Snyder; Jennifer Mock, Executive Director of ACC’s College and Career Readiness; Dr. Tyler Harvey, ACC Coordinator of Data and Assessments; Bennett Yancey, ACC instructor; and Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson. (Photo credit: Alamance Co. Sheriff’s Office)

Alamance Community College has awarded its 17th high school equivalency diploma to an inmate at the Alamance County Detention Center. Since 2014, ACC’s College and Career Readiness department has awarded high school equivalency diplomas to 17 inmate students through a unique partnership with the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office.

 

The graduation ceremony held at the detention center on October 3 marked a significant milestone for Jorge Morgado, who obtained his High School Equivalency, better known as GED, while incarcerated. ACC instructor Bennett Yancey supported Morgado in his studies.

 

Upon receiving his diploma, Morgado commented that he hoped to take additional ACC classes during the time remaining of his incarceration.

 

United Way of Alamance County plays a crucial role by providing the test scholarship, removing financial barriers for those pursuing education during incarceration.

 

inmate graduate

(Pictured) ACC instructor Bennett Yancey congratulates his student Jorge Morgado. (Photo credit: Alamance Community College) 

 

Attending the graduation ceremony were representatives from Alamance Community College, the Alamance County Detention Center, the Sheriff’s Office, and a contingent from the United Way of Alamance County. Their attendance highlights the collaborative effort involved in supporting individuals seeking education opportunities while incarcerated.

 

Sheriff Terry Johnson and Ricky Durham of the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office made comments during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping a successful future post-release.

 

Alamance Community College’s College and Career Readiness team is comprised of Dr. Tyler Harvey, Emily Flack, Bennett Yancey, and Executive Director Jennifer Mock. They play a vital role in providing assessment, testing, instruction, and coordination for education programs within the detention center.

 

“The collective effort and impact to move just one person forward is evident,” said Mock. “The Alamance County Detention Center, the College, United Way, and Piedmont Men of Steel all worked together to support Jorge when he decided to take advantage of this educational opportunity. Furthermore, Sustainable Alamance that is responsible for the newly formed Alamance Re-Entry Council remain ready to help people like Jorge when they exit the system.”

 

According to the Coalition of Adult Basic Education, just one educational class can reduce the recidivism of inmates by 55%.