Overview
We have established a comprehensive network of programming. Participation in any program is voluntary, however everyone is strongly encouraged to participate in as many programs as they can. Educational assessments take place upon commitment at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center or MCI - Framingham. Most of our prisons include full-service general and law libraries staffed by professional librarians.
Additional Resources
Educational programs
- Adult Basic Education
- Language Education
- Pre-G.E.D and G.E.D. prep courses
- College and Advanced Academics
- Special Education
You can see a full listing of every program we offer in our Program Description Booklet.
Work Training Programs
- Automotive & Auto Body Classes
- Barber School
- Building Trades
- Computer Skills Classes
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Horticulture
- IT Essentials
- Small Engine Repair
- Welding
Please refer to the Program Description Booklet for more detailed information on work training programs.
General Programs
- Religious
- Recreational
- Volunteer based
- Cognitive behavioral
- Community partnership based
- Self-Improvement
- Vendor Facilitated Core Programming
- Spectrum Health Services, Inc. (substance abuse and cognitive behavioral programming)
- VitalCore (sex offender treatment)
Please refer to the Program Description Booklet for more detailed information on general programming.
NEADS Prison PUP Program
NEADS is a non‐profit service dog organization established to provide hearing, service and assistance dogs for veterans, adults and children. This is a 12 -18 month program utilizing incarcerated handlers to teach dogs basic obedience and other skills needed to prepare them for future “careers” as service dogs. Following their training, the dogs will then learn more advanced service dog skills at the NEADS’ National Assistance Dog Training Campus in Princeton, MA. This program provides steady training at high levels, under the guidance of NEADS staff, at four prisons throughout the state. For more information, please check out the NEADS Prison PUP Program website at the link below.
Additional Resources
America's VetDogs
America’s VetDogs was created by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. in 2003. It was created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to once again live with pride and self-reliance. America’s VetDogs specializes in placing highly-skilled service and guide dogs to individuals with physical injuries, PTSD, hearing and vision loss, and seizures. Incarcerated handlers teach basic obedience and service dog tasks at three DOC prisons. For more information, please visit the America's VetDogs Prison Puppy Program website at the link below.
Additional Resources
Correctional Industries
As the Commonwealth's prison industry program, MassCor offers those in our custody the opportunity to develop their professional skills and work ethic while providing affordable goods and services. MassCor employs approximately 500 offenders, managing 17 manufacturing operations within seven institutions. Some of the manufacturing includes:
- Optical
- Printing
- Embroidery
- Janitorial
- Furniture
- Clothing
Additional Resources
Pre-Release
Those housed at pre-release facilities may be able to take part in the Work Release Program. This program:
- Matches skills with job opportunities in the community
- Allows one to earn at least minimum wage
- Provides work experience to make the employment process easier after release
To participate, an incarcerated individual must meet eligibility and be within 18 months of release or parole eligibility.
Contact for Programming
Online
Phone
DOC offices and divisions located in Milford only
Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.