Hennepin County Sheriff's Office launches Inmate Education and Training program

Monday morning, Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson announced the launch of a new program that aims to provide rigorous and robust education and training options for inmates at the Hennepin County Adult Detention facility.

The "HOPE" initiative stands for "Helping Others by Providing Education." According to a release, the program's goal is to break the cycle of incarceration by helping inmates create better opportunities for themselves.

The program provides inmates with education and training classes while incarcerated to develop skills they need once they return to their communities. These classes will include formal education options such as GED programs and life skills courses, including financial literacy and vocational training. 

During a news conference on Monday, Hutchinson said that nearly 30% of inmates in Hennepin County don't have a high school diploma or a GED.

"We know that many inmates in our jail and in other jails around the country lack a formal education and are unemployed; many have little chance to succeed personally and professionally once they're released," Hutchinson said. "The HOPE program will provide these folks with new opportunities to help themselves."