Re-Entry from Correctional Institutions | WTCS Skip to content

Re-entry from Correctional Institutions

Reducing barriers

Since 2017, Wisconsin’s technical colleges have provided education services to 25 of 27 state Correctional Institutions, annually awarding more than 30,000 credits to over 6,000 individuals. In addition, the colleges work with 38 of the state’s county jails, serving an average of 1,500 individuals with opportunities to improve reading, math, and English Language skills, complete a high school credential, or pursue career training and postsecondary credentials.

Serving

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25

Correctional Institutions

Serving

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38

County Jails

Invest in the Future

Annually, the WTCS Board and the System’s 16 colleges invest more than $1.0 million of federal, state and local funds to bring instruction, curriculum, technology, materials, employment partnerships and support services to individuals involved with the justice system, including those who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated.

The goal is to reduce barriers for successful re-entry, increase employability skills and opportunities, and reduce recidivism.

Second Chances and the Support Necessary for Success

Affordable Education Resources

Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching materials, such as textbooks, for which copyright restrictions are minimized with an open-copyright license.

Credit for Prior Learning

Wisconsin's technical colleges offer individualized technical studies programs to meet you where you are in your education journey, and help you best succeed in today's workplace.

Transfer Opportunities

You may be able to transfer any credits you have already earned from another institution. And, if you're interested in further education beyond our colleges, many 4-year public and private institutions accept credits from Wisconsin technical colleges, putting you ahead of the game in an affordable manner.

Available programs

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC), in partnership with the Wisconsin Technical College System, offers a range of educational programs within correctional institutions.

These programs generally fall into three categories:

  1. Adult Basic Education (ABE): GED, High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), and English as a Second Language (ESL).
  2. Career Technical Education (CTE)/Vocational Training: Examples include welding, building maintenance, culinary arts, custodial services, computer literacy, and other skilled trades.
  3. Post-Secondary Opportunities: Through collaborations with technical colleges and universities, eligible justice-involved populations may pursue associate degrees or technical diplomas in select fields.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, connect with the Department of Corrections: (608) 240-5164

Contact a college for information on Re-Entry programs

WTCS Justice Involved THUMB

See our informational flyer on how the WTCS delivers high-quality educational opportunities for justice-involved individuals.

View the publication

Wisconsin Technical College System

The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) offers more than 500 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas, short-term technical diplomas, certificates and related education for apprenticeships. The System is the major provider of customized instruction and technical assistance for Wisconsin employers. With more than 293,900 people enrolling in a technical college each year, it is the largest higher education system in the state.

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