Upon arriving at Texarkana, I noted how impressed I had been with the rehabilitative programming options that are offered. While I was able to secure a spot in the electrician apprenticeship, like Morgantown, I enrolled in an HVAC class, which provides guys with a certificate for being able to purchase and dispense refrigerant gases. While Morgantown had a few apprenticeship programs and a national personal trainer course, the offerings at Texarkana are what I would expect from all prisons. A few guys just finished their commercial driver’s license course, which they completed in the community. The options are readily available at the institutions that have solid programming. Yet, options are not always as advertised, so to speak. For example, Morgantown offered a lot of programming, but failed to actually implement it or update the current programs. In addition to lacking in programs, the programs that do exist lack in quality. Another example would be automotive and computer programming courses written over 20 years ago and are completed from a book. So really, how effective are these programs for the rehabilitative journey?
For me the apprenticeship program has been a huge success. I learned a lot about commercial electrical installation and maintenance. I am often asked if I will pursue the electrician route upon returning home, and I do not know. I still have quality educational history and work experience, but I will not rule out any options. I had great experiences with the electrician apprenticeships in Morgantown and Texarkana; yet, I will not have enough time to complete them (I would need about 3-4 more months of experience to fully complete it). While many job programs are offered, only the apprenticeship programs carry recognition through the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics. Thus, all my earned hours of apprenticeship have been recorded and are accessible beyond the prison walls. If I were to pursue any employment as an electrician, then I could have an employer reference those hours. Unfortunately, other jobs are not verified while in prison (unless an inmate would share their evaluations with future employers).
When I hear so much of educational reform and enterprising opportunities in the trades, I know the Bureau of Prisons will vastly miss out to the demise of fully rehabilitating inmates and truly preparing them for reentry. My observation of this educational aspect of the prison system is more fact than mere opinion. The current leadership of the BOP seems to have a commitment to rededicating or refocusing the institution on inmates rather than policy and procedure. I am happy that I have benefited from this rehabilitative programming, but I know that I’m only in a fractional percent of inmates that fully complete educational and apprenticeship opportunities. I really appreciate you taking the time to check-in. I am very grateful for all your support and continued encouragement. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful week and continue to be mindful of any little miracle in your life 🙂