The facility has 90 beds for adult male nonviolent felony offenders from 8 counties in central Ohio. All residents must participate in educational programming throughout their stay, since research indicates that inmates who participate in educational programming while incarcerated have a lower recidivism rate. As residents set goals, the direction is always coordinated with career and education. The average stay is 152 days, so it is necessary to narrow the educational needs of residents early, as they receive services tailored to their needs and goals. Shortly after intake, residents complete an individual career assessment that provides a printout of career aptitude and interests, and a standardized test measures their employability competencies in reading and math. Education staff review these assessment outcomes with each resident, followed by placement in one of three education areas according to need: GED, literacy, or continuing education. Educators incorporate life skills into the lessons as part of the reintegration process by using academics in real-life contexts. Links with the community enable residents to receive appropriate educational services from local institutions. Community education programs have added West Central to their mailing lists, providing the facility with ongoing resources. According to a 3-year follow-up study of released residents, 82 percent have not been reincarcerated. 4 notes