2024 ACA National Harbor Program Book_Winter Conference

SESSION INFORMATION, continued

and challenges and next steps for successful postsecondary education programs. Representatives from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Correctional Education Association and the Vera Institute of Justice will share concise guidance for states getting started with Pell. Speakers: Christina Crews , Assistant Warden of Programs, Florida Department of Corrections, Lake City, Florida; Ruth Delaney , Initiative Director, Vera Institute of Justice, Brooklyn, New York; Kristina Hartman , Ed.S., President, Council of Directors of Correctional Education, Huntsville, Texas; Pennie Kempt , Deputy Division Director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas; Patrick R. Mahoney , Director, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, Florida; Randall Polk , Warden, Florida Department of Corrections, Lake City, Florida 1–1:45 P.M. Efficient and Economical Skilled Training Using Virtual Reality and Reducing Recidivism VFC training has trained and placed 240 returning citizens as auto mechanics with an 80% completion, 95% placement rates, starting salary of $18.00/hr., four of the graduates are currently incarcerated. VFC developed a virtual reality auto mechanic training program that can be placed in prisons and provides quality, mechanical training without the expense of equipment, a facility or instructor. This training is being used in the Maryland women’s facility and the Department of Juvenile Services. There is a national shortage of mechanics. This program will provide individuals upon release with hard skills. The presentation will discuss how VR training can be an efficient and economical tool to train individuals. It will include a demo of the training. Speakers: Danielle Cox , Director of Education, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Office of

Programs, Treatment, and Reentry Services, Baltimore, Maryland; Martin Schwartz , Vehicles for Change, Halethorpe, Maryland 1:45–2:30 P.M. Technology Enhanced Educational Program from 3 States’ Perspectives Education in society is evolving at a rapid rate. Education in a correctional setting is also at a point where it needs to evolve. However, with additional concerns for safety and security, introducing modern technology found in education can be concerning for some corrections entities. This session will highlight three states’ approaches to addressing the educational digital divide inside their corrections agencies. Each state will talk about what technology is available to the staff and students, discuss their digital journey and highlight where they are and where they plan to be in the future. Challenges and lessons learned from all states will also be discussed. Speakers: Ben Jones , Ed. Director, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Madison, Wisconsin; Jennifer Sanders , Deputy Director, SESSION 6

Thursday, Jan. 4 ▼ Session Information SESSION 5

EDUCATION IN CORRECTIONS SYMPOSIUM

32 — ACA 2024 Winter Conference | National Harbor, MD