RCC Prepares Haynesville Students for Success
“Win and Help Win” is painted in large letters on the wall of the gymnasium at Haynesville Correctional Center. This message was reinforced as family, friends, supporters, staff, educators, and dignitaries gathered in November to celebrate the graduates from Rappahannock Community College (RCC) and Haynesville. Eleven inmates earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree, seven received a General Studies certificate, and 23 achieved a GED (high school equivalency).
Attending college while incarcerated presents many challenges. Warden Tony Darden addressed the graduates, “I see you. Know that we are proud of you for staying positive, stepping up and winning. When one wins, we all win.”
VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Doré emphasized the commitment of the Virginia Community College System to work with the Department of Corrections noting, “You are proof that obstacles and mistakes don’t define you. It’s what you do afterward. Don’t be afraid of failure; get up, learn from it, and build a better quality of life for yourself and your family.”
RCC President Dr. Shannon Kennedy called attention to the program and noted that in addition to academic courses, RCC offers certificate programs such as SHINE (Solar Hands-on Instructional Network of Excellence), SHINE Plus, and Customer Service. Students who complete the SHINE program undergo 32 hours of training over two consecutive weekends, receiving OSHA 10 certification and Solar Safety certification, along with the skills needed for employment in the field. SHINE Plus certifies students as installers and provides Solar Photovoltaic training focused on troubleshooting solar systems. Both programs include Customer Service certification training. This year 51 inmates completed the SHINE program and have been released from Haynesville; nine graduated with SHINE Plus certifications; and 15 received Customer Service certifications before their release.
Kennedy added, “This is one of my favorite events of the year. I get to recognize the work you put in to achieve the degrees and certificates and commend you for taking these steps to learn.”
Virginia Department of Corrections Director Chad Dotson gave an inspiring message of resilience and fortitude to those in attendance. The Haynesville Educational Center offers Career and Technical Education in barbering, business software applications, copper-based systems, advanced business software applications, carpentry, commercial foods, electrical, drafting/CAD, fiber-optic based systems, introduction to computers, and telecommunications. These programs equip inmates with marketable skills they can use when they re-enter society.
Outstanding College Student Joseph Burnett graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. He told his fellow graduates, “I had a 1.648 cumulative GPA in high school and was ranked 481 out of 548 students in my class. That shows you how far you can come. We are ready, willing, and able to meet every demand because education made us more than we thought we could be. Gratitude to the teachers, tutors, and fellow students.”
When asked, “What’s next,” many expressed a desire to learn more, achieve a bachelor’s degree, enter the workforce, and create better lives after leaving Haynesville. After the certificates and degrees were conferred by RCC’s Kennedy and Haynesville Regional Education Administrator Christopher Clarke, graduates enjoyed a reception to celebrate with family and friends.
RCC has been offering a college program at HCC since 2008. The Haynesville Correctional Center Department of Education also offers Adult Basic Education and GED programs. Career and Technical Education programs offered include barbering, business software applications, electrical, and fiber optics. In 2016 the College was selected as one of 67 Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites by the U.S. Department of Education for their national pilot program, allowing Haynesville students to complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms and use Pell grants for tuition, fees, and books.