Ex-Offenders Recognized in GED Ceremony

Nashville, Tennessee --- Approximately two dozen probationers and parolees in Davidson County were recognized in a ceremony this evening for completing the courses required to earn General Education Diplomas (GEDs). All of the students are under the supervision of the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole.

“Statistics show that the more education someone has, the less likely he or she is to commit a crime,” said Board Chairman Charles Traughber. “That’s why we partner with pro-literacy and other groups to provide these classes to offenders who need additional education.”

The Nashville Adult Literacy Council, Project Return and Y-Build have all worked with BOPP to provide classes for this group of offenders. A GED (General Education Diploma) is a high school credential that can be earned by people who left school before receiving a diploma there.

BOPP Executive Director Pat Merritt said, “The more education someone has, the more employable he or she is. Along with programs like Job Readiness, we work to prepare offenders for jobs that will prepare them to join the work force and assist them in leading crime-free lives in the future.”

The Board of Probation and Parole (www.tn.gov/bopp/) is an independent seven-member board whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board is charged with the responsibility of deciding which eligible felony offenders will be granted parole and released from incarceration to community-based supervision. Along with the supervision of those granted parole, the Board is also responsible for supervising felony offenders who are placed on probation by criminal courts.