KU researchers helping women find employment after prison release

The County Commission approved a program helping women find employment after being released from jail.

The KU Center for Research was granted $1.4 million by the National Science Foundation to support women's employment opportunities after release.

They are partnering with the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and using that money to hold technology classes for recently released inmates.

The classes will be held in four phases over two years.

Each phase will have classes once a week and last four months -- at the end of which the women will earn certificates from the University of Kansas.

The classes will teach them how to use programs like Microsoft Office, how to verify information on the internet, and even basic coding.

"We believe that this is a good opportunity for them to gain not only skills in technology, but also some demonstration that they were able to successfully complete a serious education program," KU Associate Professor Hyunjin Seo said.

All of the courses and education materials that will be provided are free for the women taking part in the program.