Polk School

Classroom

Polk Youth Institution will serve as a processing center, the first stop for a male youth entering prison. As part of the diagnostic process during the first weeks at Polk, prisoners will take an achievement test. Those who test below the sixth grade level will receive mandatory education. Students who have yet to earn their high school diploma may take classes to prepare for the G.E.D.

"There's a big difference in what we will be able to accomplish," said Gloria Upperman who directs the education programs at Polk. "With the new prison's larger population, we will see an increase in the number of inmates in education classes." The new facility will serve up to 200 students.

The new prison has 10 classrooms including a computer room and a special education room. Old Polk had fewer classrooms, only one computer and no space set aside for students with special education needs.