A local technical college is using grant money to convert jail inmates from tax users into taxpayers.

Just one year ago, the Chippewa Valley Technical College’s jail education program was in jeopardy – after it lost funding. But, thanks to a $40,000 grant, the Eau Claire County Jail program is safe for another school year.

"We're here Monday through Thursday for 20 hours a week,” said CVTC Academic Services Instructor John Joadwine. "August through December and then January through early May."

"Using your mind and trying to further your education deters one from criminal thinking, criminal behavior, criminal activity,” added Eau Claire County Jail inmate Dexter Crockett.” “So, it is huge."

Crockett is hoping his classroom work in jail will help continue what he started at CVTC earlier this year.

"Whether you're tying or building a portfolio or building your resume, I mean, its good to have those things,” he said.

Joadwine is CVTC’s on-site instructor at the jail. He says the program is aimed at preparing inmates for post-secondary education.

"Many students are interested in enrolling at the tech and we also have some improvement classes, employability, keyboarding, basic computer knowledge,” Joadwine said.

It also gives inmates a chance to play catch-up.

"We pay for testing,” Joadwine said. “For GED, HSED."

"Some of these folks come into our jail with close to a high school diploma, but have fallen into the criminal justice system and haven't been able to complete it," added Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department Captain Dan Bresina. "It’s a basic starting point for them."

A way to help keep them out of the system – and help them become better citizens.

"You can't really succeed in today's world without some kind of secondary, high school diploma or credentials of some kind. And you need a job,” Joadwine said.

"We need this. It needs to be here,” Crockett said. “It helps so many offenders that probably would not have that opportunity."

Joadwine says this jail program educates between 200 and 300 inmate students each year.

It’s been a part of the Eau Claire County Jail for more than 20 years.