Corrections_Today_Summer_2024_Vol.86_No.2

Moore went on to describe specific ways the Bureau of Justice Assistance was helping correc tional facilities advance educational programs. “I look forward to working with each one of you to do this transformational work,” he concluded. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona deliv ered the keynote address and began by thanking ACA for organizing the symposium and relating a story from a recent session he had with incar cerated individuals about how education had completely changed their life. Secretary Cardona continued to talk about the transformative power of education in a carceral setting: “Access to education reduces violence and other infractions, among incarcerated individuals. Also, they benefit from higher rates of employ ment and higher earnings which strengthens entire communities,” he noted. He detailed how education in

Secretary Carbona concluded his talk with a call to the participants to join together and push for change: “Let’s be innovative and let’s push together. Let’s hold ourselves accountable for improving results across the country. Let’s reduce recidivism and provide hope. We can create safer communities and keep our institutions safe,” he concluded. The rest of the day was spent with a series of presentations on the main stage while par ticipants could browse and network with top exhibitors and see demonstrations in the adjacent demo room. The reception among attendees, presenters and exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive and future ACA conferences may feature similar symposiums. CT

— BY KIRK RAYMOND

corrections has benefits beyond the obvious and how important is to make facilities safer and to make society safer. “Corrections officers are be lievers in the power of education, to change the culture of their facilities. That’s the level of trans formation, we’re talking about. If we want safer working conditions and safer living conditions, educa tion can help get us there,” he said.

Summer 2024 | Corrections Today

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