ECC, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Provide GED Program for Detainees
Crawford County detainees now have a new opportunity to turn their time behind bars into a steppingstone for success.
Through a partnership between the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and East Central College, detainees can work toward earning their GED while incarcerated, equipping them with valuable skills for a fresh start after release.
Administered through ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, the initiative helps detainees prepare for and take the Missouri Department of Education’s HiSET exam. Participants are tested in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Writing—core subjects required to earn a high school equivalency diploma.
Jail Administrator Lt. Tammy Peart, who is spearheading the program, emphasized the importance of education in reducing recidivism and improving employment prospects.
“Many detainees lack basic academic credentials, which hinders their ability to obtain stable employment or pursue higher education,” Peart said. “By introducing the GED program, our office aims to help them achieve personal and professional goals, including securing full-time employment and reducing recidivism rates.”
Since its launch, the program has seen strong participation, with five students currently prepared to take the HiSET exam. Due to high demand, a waitlist has formed. To expand access, study guides and mock exams have been added to detainee tablets, allowing individuals to study at their own pace.
ECC’s AEL Director Alice Whalen highlighted the transformative power of education in rehabilitation efforts.
“Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of incarceration,” Whalen said. “This program is more than just earning a diploma—it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and providing a second chance for those who need it most.”
Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses, recognizing that providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.
“The ultimate goal is to give detainees the tools they need to build a stable and self-sufficient future,” Peart added. “By investing in their personal development, we are not only helping individuals but also contributing to safer communities.”
This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office underscores a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By offering detainees the opportunity to earn their GED, the program serves as a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.
“Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of incarceration,” Whalen said. “This program is more than just earning a diploma—it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and providing a second chance for those who need it most.”
Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses. Providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.
“The ultimate goal is to give detainees the tools they need to build a stable and self-sufficient future,” Peart added. “By investing in their personal development, we are not only helping individuals but also contributing to safer communities.”
This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office reflects a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By providing detainees with the opportunity to earn their GED, the program offers a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.
To learn more about ECC’s AEL program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/, email ael@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6533.