Recently, CoreCivic's Red Rock Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona, held a graduation ceremony to celebrate 21 residents who earned their high school equivalency (HSE) diploma. Education is a pivotal part of our reentry programming at CoreCivic. In fact, those who participate in correctional education are 43 percent less likely to return to prison following release.

"We are proud of the hard work and dedication these students have exercised throughout their education journeys to arrive at this important milestone," said Keith Munson, principal at Red Rock. "Education is critical to the reentry process, as earning education credentials while incarcerated has been shown to decrease the chances of recidivism for justice-involved individuals."

In addition to HSE programming, Red Rock offers a variety of other reentry programs with industry-recognized and vocational certifications, such as Persevere's computer coding program, the Arizona Career Readiness Credential program, as well as horticulture, carpentry, and electrical programming.

"We take pride in the diverse program offerings we deliver to those in our care," said Bruno Stolc, warden at Red Rock. "We are excited that we get the opportunity to participate in the rehabilitation process of these individuals so that they can return to their communities with life and career skills that we hope will open the doors to their success."

Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic brought to correctional facilities nationwide, 718 GEDs and 2,543 industry-recognized certificates were conferred upon CoreCivic residents in 2021.