Consistent with the Bureau of Prisons General Education Development (GED) standard, all inmates are required to provide proof of a verified high school diploma or GED, or they must enroll in the Literacy Program. The individual will be required to enroll for 240 instructional hours in the GED Program. Promotions in work assignments and UNICOR industrial jobs are contingent upon completion of the literacy requirements.

The 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (VCCLEA) (P.L. 103-322) mandates that an inmate with a date of offense on or after September 13,1994, but before April 26, 1996, lacking a high school credential, participate and make satisfactory progress in the literacy program in order to vest earned good conduct time.

The 1995 Prison Litigation Reform Act (P.L.R.A. 104-134; April 26, 1996) provides that in making good conduct time awards, the Bureau shall consider whether inmates have earned, or are making satisfactory progress towards attainment of a GED credential.

GED General Education Development studies are designed to lead to successful completion of the official GED exam. A high school equivalency certificate is issued from the Illinois State Department of Education.

ACE Adult Continuing Education consists of enrichment programs taught by inmates. Course offerings change quarterly based on inmate interests and availability of instructors. Current classes are posted on the bulletin board in the Education Department. Courses may count as credit for portions of the Release Preparation Program.

ESL English as a Second Language studies are designed for inmates whose native language is not English. Courses lead to successful completion of the official Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) exam. Successful completion is determined to be at the eighth grade level in reading and listening comprehension.

AOT Advanced Occupational Training programs are currently offered entitled Introduction to Microcomputers and Advanced Microcomputers. Courses are accredited by outside agencies and taught by staff and/or contractors.

APP Apprenticeship (On the Job Training Program) opportunities exist in several vocations. Upon completion, a certificate is issued from the United States Department of Labor.

VT Vocational Training Cabinetmaking teaches basic carpentry skills. The class incorporates the use of all tools and machines in the cabinetmaking process. The class is designed to be a six month program and is accredited by an outside agency.

Offender Placement Focus on employability, preparation of employment portfolio and assistance in release plans in relation to employment.

Parenting Focuses on parenting skills and parenting from a distance. A number of topics relating to improving family relationships are covered in these classes. Visiting room activities are also incorporated into the program. Please see education staff for additional information.

Leisure Library – The education library is designed to support leisure reading, independent study, and academic programs. Resources include a variety of printed materials in various forms, as well as audiotapes, Videotapes, and reference materials.

An active inter-library loan program is available to supplement the inventory of available
reading materials.

Law Library – The law library is designed to provide access to legal research materials.

Typing Room – The typing room is to be used for legal work only. Typing ribbons are available for purchase in the commissary.

Library hours are as follows:
8:30 am – 10:30 am Monday -Thursday
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Monday – Thursday
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm Monday – Thursday
8:30 am – 10:30 am Friday
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Friday
7:30 am – 9:30 am Saturday
10:30 am – 3:30 pm Saturday
7:30 am – 9:30 am Sunday
10:30 am – 3:30 pm Sunday
federal holidays Closed