(LANSING) - Michigan prisons are reporting a record number of inmates completing education and job-training programs, with participation climbing sharply over the past several years.
New figures from the Michigan Department of Corrections show nearly 4,000 inmates completed programs last fiscal year, up from about 2,400 in 2020.
Enrollment has also grown, with roughly 11,000 of the state's 33,000 prisoners now taking part in classes.
Programs include high school equivalency, special education and hands-on trade training such as welding, robotics, auto repair, truck driving and cosmetology.
The state also partners with colleges and universities to offer associate and bachelor's degree opportunities inside correctional facilities.
Officials say the goal is to reduce repeat offenses and better prepare inmates for jobs and continued education after release.
Corrections leaders also say the expanded education offerings have helped improve behavior inside facilities by giving inmates more productive ways to use their time.