2017 INNOVATIVE PROJECT AWARD WINNER WESTERN OHIO REGIONAL TREATMENT AND HABILITATION
(W.O.R.T.H.) CENTER PROJECT

Rhodes State College

Challenge

The W.O.R.T.H. Center is a residential community control center, operated by the Facilities Governing Board for the district comprised of Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Shelby, and Van Wert Counties for male and female offenders from the nine counties placed on probation by the Common Pleas Court that otherwise would be sentenced to incarceration in a state penal institution. It is the basic philosophy of the W.O.R.T.H. Program that the correctional system should be viewed as a continual process with the emphasis on treatment in the community. The W.O.R.T.H. Center needs viable programs to help their residents move beyond the Center to meaningful work in the community.

Solution

Rhodes State College was awarded a grant to promote interest in and prepare individuals for careers in manufacturing. Rhodes State created the 40 hour Manufacturing Pathways program to prepare individuals for entry level manufacturing careers. The program includes preparation for and administration of the ACT assessments which lead to the National Career Readiness Certificate. Members of Rhodes State staff approached the WORTH Center to determine interest in the program.

Results

The program started at the WORTH Center in January 2016. Thus far, 20 male and female residents have completed the training program and 13 earned NCRC certificates. The program continues to be delivered at the WORTH Center with strong interest from the residents and staff. In the Fall of 2016 the program was expanded to high school students in their junior and senior years who were unsure of their plans after high school. Four schools participated in 2016 and will expand to 15 schools in the Spring of 2017. This is now a college credit plus program and the students will earn a high school diploma and 2 credits toward college. If the students take 3 additional classes they will receive a Rhodes State- Production Associate Certificate.