New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's Enhanced Correctional Vocational Pilot Project

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) is applying for the Second Chance Act: Adult Reentry Education, Employment, Treatment and Recovery Program under Category 1 Improving Correctional Education and is requesting $900,000 in federal funding.

            DOCCS’ proposal is to develop a new, state of the art, Automotive Technology Program at two adult male, maximum security correctional facilities. The  overall objective to be met is improving vocational educational programming through the development of a  program that will provide participants with highly sought-after automotive maintenance and repair skills.  The primary objective is the implementation of a quality auto tech vocational program that provides participants with the education needed through both classroom and hands-on training to obtain nationally recognized certifications, the opportunity to earn  New York State Community College credits and the job preparedness necessary for entry into the automotive technology field upon release. Among the many deliverables cited above, DOCCS will develop an action and implementation plan working in collaboration  with various stakeholders, a consultant, BJA staff and the assigned technical assistant coach.  Final process and outcome reports will be produced.   

A second objective is increasing DOCCS’ partnerships with New York State Community Colleges having automotive technology programs and the New York State Automobile Dealers Association.

A third objective includes establishing a pilot protocol where potential program participants are administered the Career Interest Inventory and the Bennett Mechanical Comprehensive Test-II (BCMT-II) to assess suitability for the program. 

 As an agency composed of both correctional facilities and community supervision components, DOCCS will assist with a transition from being an incarcerated participant to being a community member, including providing assistance in finding employment and stable housing.  DOCCS will also track recidivism outcomes for program completers and those unable to complete.

DOCCS will use the majority of the grant award to establish the automotive technology shops, including the purchase of needed equipment, supplies and curriculum. Instructors will be hired through state funds so when there is no longer supportive grant funding, their items will remain along with state-of-the-art automotive technology shops.

DOCCS plans on pursuing its partnerships with NYSADA and community colleges to provide employment and advanced educational opportunities to its participants. DOCCS also plans to leverage its relationships with auto dealers to obtain vehicles for participant training.

Given the above, DOCCS is confident it can and will sustain the program once grant funds are no longer available.