Division of Education, Vocations and Offender Programs (DEVOP)
DEVOP contributes to public safety by providing programs designed to reduce recidivism. These programs include educational, vocational, and life skills programming. Additionally, DEVOP is tasked with the development, implementation and monitoring of a standardized needs assessment tool and protocol for offenders received into CDCR facilities. This assessment tool will enable the CDCR to establish a program plan for each participant.
The Office of Correctional Education (OCE) provides academic classes, English as a Second Language, vocational training, library services, recreation, and extra-curricular programs in fully accredited schools throughout California’s state prisons. The schools’ accreditations are through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Faculty members, along with college, Re-Entry, Bridging, and other avenues of educational services, reach approximately 40,000 inmate-students. Our curriculum is in line with the California Statewide K-through-12 Curriculum and has been certified by the California State Department of Education.
About DEVOP Services and Programs:
Among the major programs offered are:
Vocational programs being offered at many institutions provide training in viable occupations, resulting in national certification in many active trades. Those who attain employable skill levels are able to re-enter society, obtain employment, and earn a livable wage. Programs comprising the construction trades, including plumbing and electrical; print and graphic occupations, metal trades (welding), dry cleaning, landscaping, and vehicle repair.
Academic coursework is inclusive through 12th grade and is available at all institutions. The curricula are directed toward the promotion of successful inmate participation in daily living and encourage English language, computation, life skills development, and analytical/critical thinking skills. The High School Diploma and the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) programs assist students in earning a diploma or a GED certificate.
The Bridging Program is offered to inmates in all institutions but is concentrated in the Reception Centers and some general population institutions. This program includes education and motivational materials for the students to complete as independent study or in small- to medium-sized groups.
The Corrections Learning Network is a distance-learning initiative, administered by Educational Service District 101, Spokane, Washington. It provides supplementary educational, work-based, and staff training broadcasts for correctional facilities.
Re-Entry programs focus on the inmates preparing for parole. Employment and parenting skills, health programs, and supportive agencies, along with cognitive and critical thinking skills and analytical reasoning, are included in the materials presented.
Library and recreational services are available at CDCR institutions. Many institutions also have community programs which provide volunteer instructors and tutors to teach literacy.
Division of Education, Vocation & Offender Programs
Office of Correctional Education
PO Box 942883
Sacramento, CA 94283-0001
(916) 445-8035
FAX (916) 324-1416