Several men at the Sherman Walker Correctional Facility in LaPlace are now going to school with the hope of getting their high school diploma. After having to cancel the program in 2020-21 because of COVID-19, the SJSO began in February another General Education Development program at the facility with new teacher Annette Houston.
Working with the SJSO Corrections Division, Houston is teaching inmates, enabling them to earn a general equivalency high school diploma.
Since most inmates do not have a high school degree, the GED program gives them the opportunity to earn a general equivalency high school diploma.
“With a prison record and no high school degree, upon their release, an inmate’s chance of getting a job is slim,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “Inmates in this program have the opportunity to acquire literacy and marketable skills so they can obtain employment after release. Another benefit is that offenders are less likely to return to jail after earning a GED diploma. This program can be a positive step towards a new life for inmates.”