By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to extend a GED and adult education program at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex for one year after the Sheriff’s Department ended its contract with Pima Community College several weeks ago.
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The board committed $170,000 to continue the program through the end of June 2027.
Laurie Kierstead-Joseph, assistant vice chancellor for adult basic education at Pima Community College, said the program gives inmates a second chance at earning a high school equivalency diploma.
“Having the GED program in the jail gives the inmates who still need a high school equivalency diploma the opportunity to get started right away,” Kierstead-Joseph said.
Kierstead-Joseph noted that inmates who attempt single-subject tests through the program have an 80% pass rate, which exceeds the national average for people not in an incarcerated setting.
Last program year, only one inmate earned their GED. The low number reflects the challenges of the program, especially since inmates typically stay at the jail for only several weeks and the GED requires completion of five different subjects. Additionally, classroom space is limited, with only one classroom containing 24 seats.
Matt Heinz, Pima County District 2 Supervisor, said every class is filled at the jail.
“There’s only one classroom with 24 seats in the jail currently. And every single one of those 12 classes that are offered through Pima College every week is filled,” Heinz said.
The goal is for inmates to begin the program while incarcerated so they can complete their GED after their release.
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Heinz said the county has multiple potential funding sources for the program, including a $2 million fund Pima County is set to receive from the Arizona Legislature to help inmates re-enter society.
“That really lines up well, the way I’m looking at it. That’s literally a re-entry priority, is connecting people to educational opportunities,” Heinz said.
The decision on how the program will be funded now rests with Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher.
Kierstead-Joseph said Pima Community College is grateful for the extension and hopeful the program will continue supporting incarcerated individuals.
“We know that most folks who go to jail will be released, and we want to make sure we’re supporting them in their next steps of getting on their own two feet and getting moved in a positive direction,” Kierstead-Joseph said.
Pima County is also exploring ways to expand the program by adding employable skills training, transition services and GED testing sessions.
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