ANAMOSA, IOWA (June 15, 2016)-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 June 22 in the visiting room at the prison located at 406 North High Street in Anamosa.
Nineteen students have earned their high school education by either completing their high school diploma or passing all five of the HiSET finals. Twelve offenders 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 870 men.
The 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 Community College. An apprenticeship program is a combination of training and work skills learned on the job. A typical program includes instructional material with 4000 to 6000 hours of on-the-job work skills. Currently at the prison, 16 certified programs have been developed and certified 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, and materials coordinator. For offenders, one of the key components to a successful return to society is finding and holding a job. The program is an important tool to accomplishing this goal.