Cobb County Sheriff's Office Unveils GED Training Center, Empowering Detainees with Education Opportunities

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce the opening of the first GED (General Educational Development) Training Center within its Adult Detention Center. The Center will open March 20th at 11 a.m. at 1825 County Services Pkwy SW, Marietta, GA 30008.

For the first time, detainees will have access to onsite testing, making educational opportunities more accessible. Establishing the GED Center represents a significant milestone in the Cobb County Sheriff's Office’s dedication to rehabilitation and successful reintegration efforts.

"Education is a powerful tool for individual empowerment, and we are committed to providing our detainees with the resources they need to pursue a brighter future,” said Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens. 

Since the sheriff’s office launched GED classes, two detainees have successfully graduated while in our custody. Both have since been released, with one pursuing further education in Chattahoochee Technical College's Cybersecurity program, maintaining an impressive 3.5 GPA.

The GED program, initiated in July 2022 under The ReAlign ReStart Program, addresses the issue of detainees lacking employable skills necessary for workforce success. 

The ReAlign ReStart Program, a collaboration between Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, CobbWork Source, Construction Ready, Building Trades, Cobb County School District, and Chattahoochee Technical College, aims to enhance detainees' post-release employment prospects and financial stability. 

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that earnings improve with every level of education achieved. However, the median weekly income for individuals who did not graduate high school is more than 25% lower than those with a diploma. Earning a GED, in addition to skills training, is key to closing the wage gap.

The first group of detainees to be tested in the GED Center will be tested on Tuesday, March 19.

"We are immensely proud of our first group of GED testers," Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, who oversees operations of the Adult Detention Center, added. "Onsite testing will give detainees peace of mind by testing in a facility they’re already familiar with and not having to deal with the hassle of traveling.”

This momentous occasion will be marked by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials, community leaders, and stakeholders committed to advancing educational opportunities for all individuals.

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office expresses heartfelt appreciation to the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation and Delta Upsilon Boule, along with all collaborating partners and supporters, for their contributions towards establishing the GED Training Center. We recognize the collaborative effort needed to bring positive change within the community.