For the past 50 years, Moraine Park has partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) to offer educational programs that empower individuals behind bars to build brighter tomorrows.
The Partnership
The long-standing partnership has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the district. In 2022, its impact was expanded through a new initiative with the DOC Re-entry Unit—a computer numerically controlled (CNC) mobile lab at Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution that offers a 12-credit Introduction to CNC Operations Certificate.
The CNC certificate program uses the second mobile lab within the district. The welding mobile lab at Taycheedah Women’s Correctional Institute has been in operation since 2019 and provides a 12-credit Foundational Welding Certificate. As of this spring, 100 women have graduated from the program.
In addition to these mobile labs, Moraine Park offers the Foundational Welding Certificate to individuals at the John C. Burke Center in Waupun. These students attend classes at the College’s Beaver Dam Campus.
Furthering the partnership with the DOC, Moraine Park works with the Division of Adult Institutions to offer programming across six correctional facilities. This fall, two new programs will be introduced: an Industrial Wiring Certificate at Fox Lake Correctional and a Culinary Assistant program at Taycheedah Women’s Correctional Institute. The College also supports students enrolled in two online associate degree programs, Business Management and Small Business Entrepreneurship, across seven institutions. These programs equip individuals with employable skills and college credentials in high-demand fields, facilitating successful reintegration into the community.
The College’s partnership with the DOC’s Re-entry Unit and Division of Adult Institutions demonstrates our commitment to providing educational opportunities that support rehabilitation and successful reintegration. These programs not only offer valuable skills but also inspire hope and confidence among individuals as they prepare to rejoin their communities. – Mary Davies, associate dean of Economic and Workforce Development at Moraine Park
Moraine Park presented the DOC Re-entry Unit with the 2023 Employer of the Year Award at the College’s annual Business and Industry Award luncheon this spring.
Paul Jensen
A pivotal part of the College’s partnership with the DOC is Paul Jensen, Economic and Workforce Development welding instructor at Moraine Park. Jensen’s transition from manufacturing to teaching reflects the very essence of the programs he leads, proving that anyone can reshape their future with the right tools and opportunities.
Jensen earned his technical welding diploma in Cleveland and spent 15 years working in manufacturing. He has been with Moraine Park for three years teaching primarily within the DOC programs—his main role involves teaching welding at Taycheedah Women’s Correctional Institute. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in career and technical education training at UW-Stout.
“Working in welding and manufacturing, I did everything by myself. So, the switch to being in front of a classroom and using different technology was a learning curve,” he said. Jensen had to adapt to new tools and methods, even learning basic skills like sending emails. “It sounds kind of silly, but I had to learn how to send emails. Now it seems so simple, but before I got into teaching, I didn’t own a computer.”
Jensen enjoys teaching in the prison system because the students are free from external distractions and eager to learn. One of his most memorable success stories involves a student who had enrolled in multiple programs before finding a place in the Welding program.
She was really excited to be in the Welding program, and as we progressed, she shared how thrilled she was to finally complete something she started. She graduated from the welding boot camp and was released from prison. She had applied for a welding job and was extremely nervous, feeling that she had done terribly in the interview. Despite her nerves, she got the job, and the interviewer told her it was one of the best welding tests they had ever seen. Now, she’s employed as a welder—a career she never would have considered before our program.
Moraine Park’s partnership with the DOC stands as a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and building stronger communities. Through innovative programs and dedicated instructors, the College continues to impact the lives of individuals seeking a fresh start.