Breaking the Cycle—With New Partnership, Stride’s Keystone School Bridges Education Gap for Incarcerated Mississippians
May 03 2023 - 9:32AM
Business Wire
According to the World Population Review, about 33 percent of
inmates in Mississippi return to prison within three years of
release, most of whom have never completed high school. The
Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) is on a mission to
address this alarming trend through a new partnership with The
Keystone School, an accredited private online school for students
nationwide. This partnership will help expand access to
career-focused education for incarcerated individuals across the
state.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the Mississippi Department of
Corrections to help support incarcerated people on their path to
successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society,” said
Erica Rhone, Head of School for Keystone. "Our program is designed
to meet the unique needs of students in non-traditional learning
environments, and we are just as committed to helping incarcerated
people achieve their educational goals and gain the skills they
need to succeed in today's workforce.”
Through this partnership, eligible participants can earn a high
school diploma through the school’s online adult learner program,
with a focus on career readiness, in as little as 21 months or
less. Participants will have access to self-paced online courses
featuring a comprehensive high school curriculum, including core
academic subjects such as English/language arts, math, science, and
social studies. The curriculum also includes specialized courses
that align with a student’s chosen career pathway in fields such as
information technology, business management, criminal justice, and
more. Additionally, students will have access to graduation
advisors for support and feedback.
"Education is key to reducing recidivism and breaking the cycle
of repeat incarceration,” said Burl Cain, Commissioner of the
Mississippi Department of Corrections. “This partnership with The
Keystone School is another tool to advance basic adult education
and is a step in the right direction for inmates to create brighter
futures for themselves, their families, and our communities.”
This new partnership will be implemented across three MDOC
correctional facilities: South Mississippi Correctional Institute,
Flowood Community Work Center, and Marshall County Correctional
Facility. The Keystone School will provide technical support,
curriculum development, and graduation advisors for the
program.
About The Keystone School
The Keystone School from Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation’s
leading online and blended learning program provider, is an
accredited private online school for independent learners who seek
a highly flexible education. With more than 40 years of experience
in distance learning, Keystone offers flexible education programs
for students in all grades and of all ages to help them achieve
their unique academic and personal goals. Learn more at
www.keystoneschoolonline.com.
About Mississippi Department of Corrections
The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) is a state
agency of Mississippi that operates correctional institutions and
facilities. Headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, MDOC protects
and promotes public safety primarily through the efficient and
effective custody, care, and rehabilitation of individuals
convicted and sentenced for felony crimes. Learn more at
www.mdoc.ms.gov.
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Jismeri Castillo Corporate Communications Stride, Inc.
jcastillo1@k12.com
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