Home VADOC: Number of inmates in Virginia earning GEDs tripled in one year
Public Safety, Schools, Virginia

VADOC: Number of inmates in Virginia earning GEDs tripled in one year

Crystal Graham
GED HSE diploma graduation
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The number of Virginia Department of Corrections students receiving their high school equivalency, or GED, tripled from 2022 to 2023.

In 2023, VADOC reports 430 inmates received their HSE returning to pre-COVID levels.

“Earning a HSE is one of many great steps a person can take in the re-entry process,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “Providing excellent programs for inmates and supervisees helps the department achieve its goal of long-term public safety. I thank the VADOC’s Correctional Education staff for their dedication and congratulate all inmates who earned their HSE in 2023.”

Educators worked to assess student needs, identify learning gaps and create personal learning plans for HSE students. Many students enrolled in intensive remediation courses focused on targeted content areas.

HSE recipients by facility

  • 37 inmates: Green Rock Correctional Center in Chatham
  • 33 inmates: Keen Mountain in Oakwood
  • 25 inmates: River North Correctional Center in Independence
  • 25 inmates: Lunenburg Correctional Center
  • 25 inmates: Greensville Correctional Complex

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.