West Boylston - U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Worcester County Sheriff Guy Glodis today announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded $429,466 to the Worcester County Jail and House of Corrections under the "Life Skills for State and Local Prisoners" program.

The purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for establishing and operating programs designed to reduce recidivism through the development and improvement of life skills necessary for reintegration of adult prisoners into society.

In Worcester County, the funding will be used to develop the Moving On Program (MOP), a partnership between the House of Correction, Quinsigamond Community College, and local career centers to target the advancement of offender education and employment opportunities.  The MOP program will offer courses allowing offenders to gain the skills necessary to secure permanent, long-term employment.  The program's curriculum will have a special emphasis on the construction trades.

 "I'm very pleased that the Department of Education is recognizing the innovative and important work that Sheriff Glodis and his team are doing at the Worcester County House of Corrections," Rep. McGovern said.  "This federal funding will help provide offenders with the skills they need to become more productive members of society.  Worcester County will be a safer place to live and work as a result."

"The success of this grant comes largely due to Congressman McGovern's leadership and vision in providing substantive inmate rehabilitation programs in Worcester County," Sheriff Glodis said.  "This program will be a valuable resource in reducing recidivism, and improving overall public safety for the citizens of Central Massachusetts."