ANAMOSA, Iowa (September 27, 2018)-Anamosa State Penitentiary and Kirkwood Community College will honor high school and apprenticeship graduates at a special ceremony beginning at 1:15 p.m. on October 2 in the visiting room at the prison located at 406 North High Street, Anamosa, Iowa.
Thirteen students have earned their high school education by either completing their high school diploma or passing all five of the HiSET finals. Sixteen incarcerated individuals are graduating from the Anamosa State Penitentiary (ASP) Apprenticeship Program, completing all requirements. Each graduate is permitted to invite two individuals from their approved visitor list to attend the ceremony.
The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) includes exams in math, writing, science, reading and social studies. Kirkwood provides state-certified teachers and administers the tests within the walls of the maximum security prison, which houses approximately 974 men.
The Registered Apprenticeship Program is certified by the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. This was a collaborative effort by ASP, Iowa Prison Industries and Kirkwood. A registered apprenticeship program is on-the-job training and a high level of curriculum. A typical program includes instructional material with 4,000-8,000 hours of on-the-job work skills. There are currently 17 certified programs at the prison that have been developed including computer operator, cabinet maker, welding, cook, electrician, refrigeration, maintenance repairer, plumber, metal fabricator-assembler, electrostatic powder coating, baker, housekeeper-commercial/residential/industrial, painter, screen printer, upholsterer, carpenter and landscaping technician. For offenders, one of the key components to a successful return to society is finding gainful employment. The Registered Apprenticeship Program is an excellent re-entry program and has proven to help returning citizen’s find the gainful employment they need to be successful.