Evidence-based Programming
The department has adopted a variety of evidence-based programming developed by the University of Cincinnati. Programming assists with reducing recidivism by addressing individual risks and improving institutional behavior. Key strategies target cognitive restructuring, substance abuse, and workforce readiness. Programming is automatically assigned to incarcerated individuals based on their criminal history, needs, and release dates. As part of the Safe Prisons Initiative, the department is now expanding these proven programs by strategically focusing on improving behavior while a person is still incarcerated, identifying timely intervention opportunities, and increasing access to programming.
Vocational Village
The Vocational Village is a first-of-its-kind skilled trades training program that aims to provide a positive learning community for prisoners who are serious about completing career and technical education. Prisoners have full days of training and classroom instruction intended to mimic a typical workday outside prison walls, and will receive state and nationally-recognized certifications in their trade. Trade programs include building trades, line clearance and tree trimming, food technology, cosmetology, and more.
The first Vocational Village site opened in 2016 at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility, in Ionia. A second site was launched in 2017 at Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson. The third Vocational Village opened at the state's only prison for women in 2021 at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti. In 2024, the department expanded skilled trades programming at the Parnall Vocational Village site to provide more qualified diesel mechanics to meet the needs of the current Michigan workforce.
Post-Secondary Programs
The Michigan Department of Corrections partners with several Post-Secondary providers to offer credit-bearing college courses inside prisons that may result in a degree and continues to seek out new partnerships. When someone decides to continue their education, they are taking a step toward self-improvement, increased future earnings, and a reduced risk of reoffending in the future. Attending college while incarcerated can benefit the student, their family, and the community. Those that attend college while incarcerated are statistically less likely to return to prison and can serve as important role models and mentors.
Thumb Educational Center
In 2025, the department began construction on a first-of-its-kind educational learning center at the Thumb Correctional Facility. The center will provide a full-time school and living environment for incarcerated individuals to mirror real college environments. The project is still underway.
Michigan State Industries
Michigan State Industries (MSI) is a manufacturing program within MDOC that provides vocational training and employment to incarcerated individuals. Operating since 1943, it functions as a self-supporting operation that produces a wide range of goods used by state agencies, local governments, county jails, and non-profits. Prisoners at Saginaw Correctional Facility recently began building handicap accessible deer blinds in the MSI Program. The blinds will be used for Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors, and will be placed on state land for use by disabled hunters in partnership with DNE.
Returning Citizens Documentation Program
The Michigan Department of Corrections has provided vital documents to 30,000 incarcerated individuals through its Returning Citizen Identification Program (RCIP). Photo identification is a key predictor for the success of those reentering Michigan communities after completing a prison sentence. The department has singed Memorandums of Understanding with the Michigan Secretary of State and the Social Security Administration to assist incarcerated individuals in obtaining IDs, birth certificates, and social security cards.
Reentry United
Since 2024, the department, in partnership with reentry organizations and state agencies have held Reentry United events for incarcerated individuals across the state. These events bring together resources for reentry such as vital document resources, legal and parole board assistance, motivational speakers, educational providers, and more. To date, events have been held in 26 prisons, 4 community events, with a total of 2,400 total participants.
Doula Program
The department has implemented a Doula Program for pregnant prisoners providing them with a labor coach or doula at their request. Assigned doulas meet with the prisoner twice prior to delivery as time allows. The doula is then contacted when the prisoner is in active labor and will remain with the prisoner throughout their labor and delivery and up to three hours post-delivery. The doula also follows up with the prisoner at the facility during the postpartum period.
Hospice Program
The department worked to implement a hospice program in partnership with Humane Hospice. The program trains Prisoner Palliative Care Aides (PPCAs) who provide care and companionship to their fellow prisoners who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses.
Dog Programs
The department has partnered with Paws with a Cause, Leader Dogs for the Blind, various ability centers, and dozens of local animal shelters providing basic obedience training for nearly 3,000 canines. The MDOC's dog programs benefit the trainers, the facility staff, the communities, and the dogs. Canines trained in MDOC facilities have been placed with U.S Customs and Border Protection, Police Departments, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Crisis Response Dogs, and schools and hospitals for support dogs. Currently, 25 active dog training programs are taking place in 20 MDOC facilities.
Garden Programs
Nineteen Michigan Department of Corrections facilities maintain and harvest gardens, which provided 116,455 pounds of fresh produce to food pantries, residential care facilities, churches, and community organizations in 2025. The programs include two horticulture skilled trade programs, and additional volunteer gardens at facilities across the state.
