23 Offenders Receive Certificates in Theological Studies

23 Offenders Receive Certificates in Theological Studies

Lee Arrendale State Prison hosts graduation

FORSYTH, Ga. – On April 7, 23 female offenders graduated from the Theological Studies course at Lee Arrendale State Prison (LASP) in Alto, Ga. Fourteen offenders received their Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS) and nine received their Advanced Certificate in Theological Studies and Leadership.

“The Theological Studies program is one of many educational opportunities GDC offers to increase offenders’ academic skills and help reduce recidivism,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Atlanta Theological Association and Emory University, for making this program a success.”

The CTS program began as a collaborative partnership between the Chaplaincy Department of Metro State Prison (SP) and the Atlanta Theological Association (ATA) in 2009. The program, provided by Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, moved to LASP in May 2011. Since the program’s inception, 120 incarcerated women have received Certificates in Theological Studies and 47 have completed an Advanced Certificate in Theological Studies and Leadership.

To receive a CTS certificate, offenders must complete three electives, two intensive foundation courses in Biblical and Theological Studies, and an individual project. To receive an Advanced Certificate, students must complete five electives, a research project of their design, and a leadership and service project.

For more information on the CTS certificate visit: http://bit.ly/2owmyfQ.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit http://www.gdc.ga.gov.

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