Since 1983, Rio Salado College has partnered with the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) to teach the incarcerated population the skills necessary for successful integration into society upon release. We currently offer educational programs, under contract, at ASPC-Perryville and ASPC-Lewis. Our programs provide academic, work-based education, and life skills training opportunities for both men and women. In addition to the post-secondary certificate programs, we contract with ADC to provide literacy training and GED preparation to the eligible population of male inmates at ASPC-Lewis. Thus, Rio Salado College provides a continuum of services from basic literacy through GED to workforce development at the prison sites. By providing this array of services, we have the opportunity to encourage life-long learning to this population.

One of the programs offered at ASPC-Perryville for female offenders is the Parenting at a Distance Program. It is designed to teach inmates the parenting skills necessary to strengthen family relationships during separation, and to prepare for successful reintegration with their children. In 1998, that program, along with the Construction Technology Program received national recognition and an award from the American Association of Women in Community Colleges for its contribution toward improving the lives of women and their children.