Learn more about the BASICS program and advisement options below.
Programs
The programs below are available at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility and Ellsworth Correctional Facility.
Adult Basic Education
Career Technical Programs
- Carpentry
- Manufacturing Skills Certificate
- OSHA 10 Certification – see the Course Catalog
- Plumbing Certification
- Welding Certification
- Certiport IC3 (Internet and Computing Core Certification) – individual courses leading to industry recognized credential
- Introductory Craft Skills – NCCER Core
- Microsoft Office Specialist – individual courses leading to industry recognized credential
Advisement
In addition to traditional academic advisement, the BASICS program offers career and transition advisement.
Career Advisement
The BASICS Career Advisor meets with students participating in the BASICS program to increase awareness of postsecondary opportunities at ECF (Central and East) and LCMHF (Central and West). During this meeting the Career Advisor uses the Offender Employment Retention Specialist (OERS) model utilizing motivational interviewing to develop an Education and Employment Plan for all students, and administers the O*NET Interest Profile to provide guidance through the selection of vocational programs and/or the Associate of General Studies coursework.
During the initial meeting with offenders interested in participating in the BASICS program, the Career Advisor identifies the offenders education level and interprets the results of the O*NET Interest Profile to identify vocational and educational opportunities fitting their individual interests and career goals. During this meeting the offender works with the Career Advisor to identify barriers, e.g. FAFSA, Selective Service, loan default, child arrears, and employment limitations based on conviction and state statutes, needing to be addressed before release. The Career Advisor then provides information to the offender on how to address these barriers, and makes proper referrals with the Employment Opportunity Center (EOC), and other community agencies.
The goal of the Career Advisor is to empower our students with accurate and timely information which enables them to develop an informed and realistic Education and Employment Plan fitting their personal needs and goals.
Transition Specialist
The Transition Specialist meets with offenders with 6-10 months remaining on their sentence to provide information on educational and career opportunities in their release area. The student is provided contact information for their local Workforce Center, area Colleges and Vocational Training Centers, key personnel within the Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) network who may assist with resources in the releasing community. The Transition Specialist may also work with parole officers based on the need of the individual.