Calipatria GED program sees success

May 30, 2024

The first minimum support facility GED certification at Calipatria was earn by J. Selden.

When the Calipatria State Prison minimum support facility began offering the General Education Development (GED) program earlier this year, people were eager to enroll.

The education department began offering the program in February to the minimum support facility population.

Soon after the GED program began, Calipatria incarcerated students who were enrolled qualified to take the exam. This gave students hope and the ability to impact their incarceration by earning time credits for their academic achievements.

Jeremy Selden was the first person in the minimum support facility to earn a GED certification.

“It feels good to have earned my GED,” he said. “It feels like a new beginning.”

Students have been receptive and grateful for the education opportunities offered.

“I am sure it gave (Selden) a sense of accomplishment and has motivated him to continue making good choices as he reintegrates into our community,” said Principal Macias.

According to the prison’s education department, they are committed to adding more programs as time and resources permit.

“We continue to get things done with brick and mortar. As their teacher, I am hoping that this coming GED testing cycle, we have an additional five GED certifications,” said instructor Yee.

Submitted by Lt. Efren Uribe
Calipatria State Prison