June 02, 2026
Lansing , Mich. - The Michigan Department of Corrections Vocational Village was recognized by the Brennan Center for Justice in “Prison Reform in the United States” for the program’s innovative training model and impact on incarcerated men and women. The research report, published in 2026, focuses on efforts to improve conditions and post-release outcomes for incarcerated individuals.
Vocational Village programs provide incarcerated individuals with career and technical education (CTE) that is taught by MDOC instructors with relevant industry-specific experience. Students are immersed in a skilled trades training environment where participants live in the same housing unit, receive employment readiness training like interview and resume prep, and are connected with employer partners to make connections before release. In the report, Brennan Center researchers wrote: “Life in the Vocational Village is structured to mirror the rhythm of a real workday, blending hands‑on training with classroom learning and daily routines that build both technical expertise and essential life skills, creating an environment that feels more like a school than a traditional correctional setting.”
Gainful employment has proven to be a key success indicator for those leaving prison. For those who graduate from Vocational Village programs, the recidivism rate decreases to roughly 12% compared to approximately 22% for all released individuals in Michigan. The department has partnered with employers across multiple industries over the years, which have assisted by donating equipment or helping develop curricula. Because of these trainings, hundreds of Michigan businesses have hired Villagers upon release.
“Our department’s first-of-its-kind Vocational Village means that individuals leaving prison are not only less likely to commit another crime but also ensures that they have tools to be productive members of their community,” said Director Heidi E. Washington. “Because of MDOC’s success in utilizing evidence-based programming and effective supervision, we have significantly reduced the state’s recidivism rate, creating safer communities. I am proud of each student working to better their future and the communities they will reenter, and I am honored that MDOC has earned this level of national recognition from the Brennan Center. Michigan will continue leading in effective and innovative corrections practices.”
Students have the opportunity to participate in and receive professional certification in a variety of programs ranging from building trades to commercial truck driving, and food technology to cosmetology. The first Vocational Village began in 2016 at the Richard A. Handlon Facility and the department has expanded programming to the Women’s Huron Valley, and Parnall Correctional Facilities. The department would like to expand the program further to help meet the demands of Michigan’s workforce and interested students. MDOC currently supervises approximately 32,700 incarcerated individuals and 61,000 people on parole or probation. It operates 26 correctional facilities and more than 100 parole and probation offices spanning every Michigan county.
The Michigan Department of Corrections has established itself as a national leader in evidence-based corrections under the direction of Director Heidi E. Washington. Over the last decade, the department has safely reduced the prison population, worked to modernize facilities and operations, increased opportunities that support long-term public safety and self-sufficiency, and achieved the lowest recidivism rates in our state’s history.
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law is an independent, nonpartisan law and policy organization that works to reform, revitalize, and defend the country’s systems of democracy and justice.
###
