FROM J.F. INGRAM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Top Photo: Alabama leaders and lawmakers gathered to tour the ISTC Staton Instructional Service Center in Elmore.

ELMORE, Ala. – State leaders and lawmakers met Tuesday morning at J.F. Ingram State Technical College (ISTC) to discuss correctional education opportunities available for justice-involved individuals across Alabama.

“Over 94 percent of those incarcerated in Alabama’s prisons will be released, returning to communities across the state,” said ISTC President Annette Funderburk. “Ingram State provides resources and education needed to develop skills essential for securing meaningful long-term employment.”

Co-hosts Sen. Clyde Chambliss, (R-30), Sen. Will Barfoot, (R-25), and Rep. Troy Stubbs, (R-31), discussed the impact Ingram State has made on the Alabama workforce in their districts.

“I appreciated the opportunity to co-host the Tour and Talk with my fellow legislators and President Funderburk,” said Senator Chambliss. “It is important to recognize the work that Ingram State does every day and the impact it has on the state’s incarcerated population. Because of Ingram, inmates have the knowledge and skills to gain employment once they are released and make a positive contribution in their communities as taxpaying citizens.”

In 2022, Ingram State became the sole career technical education provider in the state, servicing 17 correctional institutions across 20 counties. In 2023 the college expanded education services to all Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles (ABPP) sites and is now the state’s primary educational provider for justice-involved individuals.

“The Bureau is always excited about the partnership results with J.F. Ingram State Technical College,” said ABPP Director Cam Ward. “Data has shown the proven results of improving recidivism through implantation of ISTC work programs. Today’s tour was an excellent means of educating our policymakers to the benefits ISTC and their partners provide.”

ISTC is working to close the employment gap in Alabama by offering technical training in 20 career fields, adult education and GED preparation, and soft skills training essential for success in today’s workplace. Ingram State has nearly 500 employer partnerships and has placed 247 ISTC alumni in jobs in 2022.

J.F. Ingram State Technical College is a fully accredited member of the Alabama Community College System serving incarcerated students exclusively. The College offers training in 20 career and technical programs