By Stephanie Salinas
Pulse Staff Reporter

This is the third semester that Palo Alto instructors are teaming up with the Fabian Dale Dominguez State Jail to give offenders the opportunity to take classes for college credit.

The facility, which is located at 6535 Cagnon Rd., houses up to 2,144 offenders. The Dominguez State Jail provides educational programs to each offender and gives them a structured environment.

Offenders have access to the Windham school system’s academic and vocational programs. Those who are under the age of 26 meet the requirement to receive what is called a Youthful Offender Grant. Tuition, fees and books are all paid for.

The classes take place Monday through Friday from 6:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. in a building that also contains a small library. Chuck Squier teaches Fundamentals of Speech; Richard Jenkins teaches Freshman Comp II; John Sarles teaches History of the U.S. I; Dr. Jacqueline Jansby teaches Developmental Psychology: Lifespan; Doroteo Chavarria teaches Elementary Algebra; and Luis Peña teaches Art Appreciation.

There are 12 to 21 students per class. Overall, there are a total of 102 students enrolled this fall.

“Severe adjustments have to be made sometimes when it comes to their school work. They have very little resources to work with,” said Squier.

Philip Meade, Hector Ramos, Sean Perez and Steven Mayes, offenders who are currently serving time at Dominguez State Jail, made the Palo Alto Dean’s List in Spring of 2000.

“It would be so much better for those who are taking courses in school if we were housed together,” said Steven Mayes, 22. “There would be less noise, because everyone in our dormitory would be trying to get school work done.”

Mayes says his major is in Dramatic Arts and his minor is in Education. He would like to become an actor someday. His dreams and goals are more than short-term. Mayes is in his third semester and is also a teacher’s aide. He helps those who are working to obtain their GED. “If acting doesn’t work out, then teaching would be the next best choice,” he said. It’s a challenge, considering that they have to finish their assigned work duties as well, so that means less time to get school work done.

Justin Frederick, 21, would like to use the credit he acquires at Dominguez to earn a Bachelor’s Degree one day. “I know it will be hard, but I’m willing to work at it.”

These students’desire to learn and to make changes for themselves, as well their families, is an indication that the new path they have chosen is the right one. The reality is that they may not be getting out tomorrow, but what they are doing today to improve their lives is a step in the right direction. Frederick and Mayes are currently taking three college courses because they realize that furthering their education helps them in the future to have more options once they are released. Statistics show that those with an education are less likely to return to prison.

In January 2001, Palo Alto hopes to offer Occupational Technical programs in Horticultural at Dominguez. The college has a proposed a 9-hour certificate in Basic Nursery and Landscape Operations to be taught by Kirk W. Williams, Interim Chairperson for Management Programs at Palo Alto College.

“This experience would give offenders who have the appropriate qualifications upon being released, the possibility of being employed with companies in the Horticultural field,” said Williams. The primary focus of the horticultural program at Dominguez State Jail is the 9-hour certificate because the largest number of students could quickly complete it.

The Basic Nursery & Landscape operations certificate classes could turn into a 20-hour certificate in Horticultural Business Management, if the students want to continue their education. The Horticultural Business Management Certificate could also turn into an Associate of Applied Science in Agribusiness Management.

“This is a great program to help these men become productive citizens,” said Dr. Pamela Hill, Dean of Extended Services and Community Outreach. Officials anticipate that this educational opportunity will be the key to helping offenders transform their lives.