Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) is proud to announce a significant expansion of its program offerings within correctional facilities across Northwest Louisiana. This initiative represents a groundbreaking effort to provide quality education and vocational training to incarcerated individuals, fostering personal growth, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society.

BPCC is working across the region to build upon the established Carpentry and Fiber Optic Technician training at the Caddo Correctional Center’s Reentry program. The College is also working with Sheriffs in Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Red River, Desoto, Natchitoches, and Sabine parishes with plans to deliver a variety of non-credit, accelerated training opportunities to prepare eligible student inmates with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to earn entry-level employment in a variety of occupations.

The incarcerated students will pursue curricula leading to one or more industry-based credentials (IBCs) in fields that include, but are not limited to, Carpentry; Customer Service; Digital Literacy; Forklift Operator; Kitchen Cook; Fiber Optics Technician; Heartsaver© (First Aid, CPR, AED); Industrial Readiness Training; OSHA 10 and 30; and ServSafe Food Safety.

"At BPCC, we are committed to expanding access to education and opportunities for all individuals, including those within our correctional system," said Don Howard, Director of Workforce Solutions. "We believe that education is a powerful tool for transformation and empowerment, and through these additional offerings, we aim to support incarcerated individuals in building brighter futures for themselves and for our communities."

Since expanding program offerings in the region’s correctional facilities, more than 215 inmate students at the David Wade Correctional Center in Homer, LA have completed industry-based credentials that they will be able to leverage upon release. In speaking about the importance of the effort, Warden Michelle Dauzat said, “Our partnership with Bossier Parish Community College has created multiple educational opportunities for the DWCC inmate population. The collaboration not only provides learning skills but also establishes a foundation for a brighter future and successful reentry into society.”

"Through the expansion of program offerings at correctional facilities, we hope to empower individuals to transform their lives, break cycles of incarceration, and contribute positively to society," added Dr. Rick Bateman, Jr., Chancellor of BPCC. “We are fostering hope and opportunity—one regionally-relevant industry-based credential at a time."

For more information about Bossier Parish Community College and its program offerings, visit www.bpcc.edu.