Enhancing Futures: Securus Technologies’ Commitment to Education
Investing time in education and skill development while incarcerated allows individuals to re-enter society more successfully. Securus Technologies has recognized the vital role education plays in reducing recidivism and is committed to improving access to resources that foster this change.
Over the past few years, Securus Technologies has significantly increased educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. As a company under Aventiv Technologies, Securus stands at the forefront of connections between incarcerated individuals and their families, providing both free and premium educational resources, vocational training, and rehabilitative curricula.
With a staggering investment of over $600 million, Securus has deployed 600,000 tablets across correctional facilities throughout the nation. This move aims to bridge the education gap that many justice-influenced families face. By doing so, Securus enables the vast potential of education to shine through even the darkest circumstances.
Statistics reveal a stark reality for formerly incarcerated individuals: many lack the critical educational credentials that can help them thrive. Data shows they are nearly twice as likely to have not achieved a high school diploma, and they are eight times less likely to finish college compared to their peers. However, participation in educational programs can nearly double their chances of remaining in communities post-incarceration. This highlights the necessity of fostering educational initiatives within correctional settings.
Kevin Elder, President of Securus Technologies, emphasizes the importance of technology, stating, "Technology offers a scaled solution to connect incarcerated individuals to educational and job training resources that help break the recidivism cycle." With over 600,000 tablets, the company provides both free and premium learning content essential for skill development, empowering over 17,000 learners to earn significant academic credits.
The partnerships Securus has forged are incredibly impactful. One such collaboration with Edovo enables free access to educational and vocational programs through a cloud-based platform. Utilizing Securus tablets, Edovo has provided over 3.27 million educational hours to more than 500,000 inmates.
Furthermore, Securus collaborates with Essential Education, which offers a flexible self-paced program that helps incarcerated individuals prepare for their high school equivalency exams, among other essential skills. With over 2,700 students accessing this through Securus tablets, the initiative signifies the transformative power of educational access.
Another strategic partnership is with JSTOR, a storied digital library that allows incarcerated individuals access to millions of academic resources, enhancing their educational experience significantly. This service is expanding to several states, bringing more opportunities to those seeking knowledge.
In an effort to further enrich these educational endeavors, Securus has teamed up with Tooling U, focusing on workforce development in the manufacturing sector, offering vital certifications free to participants. This approach has already seen an increase in employment prospects among graduates of the program.
The impact of incarceration extends beyond individuals; it reaches their families, affecting children who may struggle academically due to their parent’s situation. Approximately 2.7 million children in the nation have an incarcerated parent, facing hurdles in their educational paths. Securus's partnership with ScholarCHIPS aims to assist these children by providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities, addressing the broader scope of educational inequities.
Yasmine Arrington Brooks, the Founder and Executive Director of ScholarCHIPS, articulates the ongoing struggles that children of incarcerated parents face. Her organization has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, along with significant mentorship hours. The recent introduction of the ScholarCHIPS application process on Securus devices has dramatically increased applications by 900%, reflecting the demand and necessity for these resources.
Anye Young, a ScholarCHIPS recipient and current community engagement intern at Aventiv, attests to the pivotal role education has played in navigating her challenges. With support from ScholarCHIPS, she achieved her degree and now contributes to community engagement, ensuring others find similar pathways to success.
Securus Technologies is unwavering in its commitment to education. The organization believes that providing access to learning opportunities empowers incarcerated individuals, enabling them to envision a brighter future and take meaningful steps towards achieving it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Securus Technologies known for?
Securus Technologies specializes in providing communication and educational resources for incarcerated individuals, connecting them to their families and enhancing their educational opportunities.
Why is educational access important for incarcerated individuals?
Access to education can significantly reduce recidivism rates, supporting individuals in building skills necessary for successful reintegration into society.
How does Securus support educational initiatives?
Securus supports education through partnerships with various organizations, providing tablets and resources for free educational programs within correctional facilities.
What impact has Edovo made through Securus programs?
Edovo has delivered over 3.27 million educational hours to incarcerated individuals, reflecting a substantial commitment to fostering learning in corrections.
How can incarcerated individuals access programs offered by Securus?
Incarcerated individuals can access educational programs via Securus tablets provided in correctional facilities, offering both free and premium content accessible at their convenience.
