VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office will celebrate the academic achievements of incarcerated individuals by holding its largest GED graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 26, at 10 a.m., in the Indoor Recreation Yard at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center. This milestone event will honor 50 inmates who have earned their General Educational Development (GED) certificates from June 30, 2024, to July 1, 2025.
While 50 inmates have successfully completed the program, approximately 13-15 graduates are expected to attend the ceremony because more than half of the recipients have already been released from custody.
The GED program at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center is a vital initiative provided by Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ Adult Learning Center. This program empowers inmates with essential educational credentials, significantly improving their prospects for successful reintegration into the community upon release. Many employers require a GED.
"This GED graduation ceremony isn't just about diplomas; it's about second chances and new beginnings," said Sheriff Rocky Holcomb. "We're incredibly proud of these graduates for their dedication and hard work. Earning a GED is a huge step toward successful reintegration into our community, and it truly exemplifies our commitment to rehabilitation and reducing recidivism."
Mal Scott, the dedicated instructor for the program, said he has witnessed a notable increase in graduates.
"We've seen the numbers rise from 37 last year to 50 this year," Scott said. “This growth underscores the commitment of both the students and the program to fostering educational advancement within the correctional facility.” In 2021-2022, 10 inmates received GEDs, and in 2022-2023, 17 received GEDs.
Studies show that GED attainment leads to lower recidivism, improved employment opportunities and better reintegration into society. On average, inmates who participate in correctional education programs have 43% lower odds of recidivating than
inmates who do not, according to a study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance.
The graduation ceremony is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the graduates and the collaborative efforts of the VBSO’s Inmate Reintegration and Modified Incarceration Programs. This department provides opportunities that promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism through education and skill-building, including the Inmate Workforce, Trusty Program and the Weekender Program.
Members of the news media are invited to cover the ceremony but must contact PIO Toni Guagenti no later than 8:30 a.m. Thursday to be granted access to the facility.
Any questions or requests for additional information from the news media may be directed to Toni Guagenti, Public Information Officer: pio@vbso.net or 757-385-8446.