Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Launches GED Training Center in Detention Facility
2 min read
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office has announced the opening of the first GED (General Educational Development) Training Center within its Adult Detention Center. Scheduled to open on March 20th at 11 a.m., the center will provide detainees with onsite testing, offering improved accessibility to educational opportunities. Located at 1825 County Services Pkwy SW, Marietta, GA 30008, this initiative marks a significant step in the sheriff’s office commitment to rehabilitation and successful reintegration efforts.
“Education is a powerful tool for individual empowerment, and we are committed to providing our detainees with the resources they need to pursue a brighter future,” said Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens.
Since the launch of GED classes, two detainees have graduated while in custody. One of them has gone on to pursue further education in Chattahoochee Technical College’s Cybersecurity program, maintaining an impressive 3.5 GPA.
The GED program, initiated in July 2022 under The ReAlign ReStart Program, aims to address the issue of detainees lacking employable skills necessary for workforce success. Collaborating with various organizations including CobbWork Source, Construction Ready, Building Trades, Cobb County School District, and Chattahoochee Technical College, the program seeks to enhance detainees’ post-release employment prospects and financial stability.
“We are immensely proud of our first group of GED testers,” Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, who oversees operations of the Adult Detention Center, added. “Onsite testing will give detainees peace of mind by testing in a facility they’re already familiar with and not having to deal with the hassle of traveling.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 20th will be attended by local officials, community leaders, and stakeholders committed to advancing educational opportunities for all individuals. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Delta Upsilon Boule, and all collaborating partners for their contributions towards establishing the GED Training Center, recognizing the collaborative effort needed to bring about positive change within the community.