South Piedmont Community College will become one of the first colleges in the state to offer IT courses inside a correctional facility when it launches a new program at Anson Correctional Institution later this year.
“This program is going to provide the participants with the chance to gain high-demand skills. They’ll be able to earn a sustainable living wage when they re-enter the workforce. If they can make a living when they leave the prison, it’s less likely that they will return,” said Director of Correctional Education Jason Miller.
“We advocate for this population. We want to always give them every opportunity to support themselves and build a life for themselves in society.”
The new IT program will last about six months and is designed to provide participants with foundational knowledge in the IT industry. They will be able to study and test for four CompTIA certifications, including Tech Plus, A Plus, and Network Plus (CompTIA is a leading nonprofit trade association that awards IT certifications). Participants will also be able to earn Microsoft Endpoint Administration certification.
“These four certifications show that you have a general foundation in IT. They cover computer hardware, operating system configuration, troubleshooting, networking and security,” said Director of Information Technology Programs Dr. Michael Martin, who worked alongside Miller to create the new IT program coming to Anson Correctional.
“With these certifications, students can go to work in helpdesk positions. That’s where almost anyone who gets into IT starts, at the helpdesk or tech support level. Once they have these certifications, they can start working in the IT field, gaining experience while also continuing their education, if they choose. They could gain additional certifications or even articulate these certifications to one of our degree programs.”
The program at Anson Correctional will be taught by Stephen Palmer, who currently teaches Human Resources Development courses inside the prison. Palmer, a former IT specialist, is excited to blend his experience in IT with his passion for teaching incarcerated students.
“The students are excited, they want to keep learning,” he said. “I’m excited to give them another opportunity to be successful.”
Miller said he hopes to expand IT offerings at the prison in the future.
“This is the first pebble,” he said. “We’re throwing it to start the ripple.”