Many parolees struggle to find success because of the difficult transition from prison to life after prison. One of their biggest challenges comes when applying for jobs and lacking a high school diploma or equivalent, which employers require. However, nearly two-dozen Sacramento County parolees now have an advantage in their job search.
Twenty-three clients of the Sacramento Community Based Coalition (SCBC) walked across the stage on June 25 at the Rosemont High School Performing Arts Center to receive their High School Equivalency certificates. The clients earned their certificates by passing the General Educational Development (GED) exam.
County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon was assisted in presenting GED certificates by Sacramento County Board of Education Trustees Jackie Levy and Greg Geeting. Also assisting in the presentation was Millicent Tidwell, Director, Division of Rehabilitative Programs for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In addition, Rancho Cordova Assemblyman Ken Cooley provided each client with a congratulatory commendation.
SCBC is an adult re-entry program. The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) collaborate to aid men and women re-entering the community from state prison. The program's objective is to address the needs of parolees who are at increased risk of violating their parole and/or returning to custody.
Adult re-entry program participants are eligible to receive assistance with literacy skills, GED certificates and high school diplomas, math skills, vocational training referrals, and substance abuse education. Participants include men and women on parole in Sacramento County who have been referred by their Parole Agent.
The SCBC program applies the successful LINKS model, a SCOE career technical education model aimed at helping high-risk students succeed. Services are tailored to individual students based on their specific needs rather than traditional, scripted education.
For more information about SCBC, call (916) 228-3330.