Incarcerated Idaho Women Earn Their GED

Graduation ceremony celebrates 13 women's academic achievements at South Boise Women's Correctional Center

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:57am

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A bold, abstract silkscreen print featuring repeating images of graduation caps and diplomas in a colorful, pop art style, conveying the sense of achievement and celebration surrounding the incarcerated women's educational milestones.The vibrant graduation ceremony at the South Boise Women's Correctional Center celebrates the academic accomplishments of incarcerated women, empowering them to build brighter futures.Boise Today

In a joyful graduation ceremony at the South Boise Women's Correctional Center, 13 incarcerated women earned their GED certificates, marking a significant milestone in their personal and academic journeys. The event was filled with celebration, as family, friends, and fellow inmates cheered on the graduates, who have overcome various challenges to achieve this accomplishment.

Why it matters

The GED program at the correctional center is part of a broader effort by the Idaho Department of Corrections to make education a central focus in the state's prisons. By providing incarcerated individuals with educational opportunities, the program aims to increase their chances of successful reintegration into the community upon release, reducing recidivism rates and creating a positive ripple effect for the graduates' families and communities.

The details

The 13 graduates, who serve six-to-nine-month sentences for non-violent felonies, had a mix of career goals, with some planning to attend trade schools or college after their release. One graduate, Shoshanna 'Reggie' Norton, 27, had been trying to get their GED since dropping out of high school as a freshman after having a baby. Despite facing challenges, including a learning disability, Norton persevered and was able to pass the four GED sections, expressing pride in their accomplishment.

  • The graduation ceremony took place on March 24, 2026.
  • The correctional center holds GED graduation ceremonies four times per year, ensuring that every graduate has a chance to attend their own ceremony.
  • In 2023, the Idaho Department of Corrections reported that around 13% of incarcerated residents chose to participate in education programming.

The players

Dagoberto Martinez

The warden of the South Boise Women's Correctional Center, who acknowledged the graduates' accomplishments and the ripple effect they can have on their families and communities.

Shoshanna 'Reggie' Norton

A 27-year-old graduate who had been trying to get their GED since dropping out of high school as a freshman after having a baby. Despite facing challenges, including a learning disability, Norton was able to pass the four GED sections.

Sherry Carr

An Adult Basic Education instructor at the correctional center, who has worked to make education a priority and coordinate with program schedulers to ensure incarcerated residents can participate in education courses.

Ted Oparnico

The Director of Education for the Idaho Department of Corrections, who shared that those who participate in prison education programs nationally have a 43% lower chance of returning to prison than those who do not.

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What they’re saying

“Growth comes when we choose to do things that are uncomfortable, when we lean into what's hard. Today isn't just about what you achieve, it's about who you're becoming.”

— Dagoberto Martinez, Warden, South Boise Women's Correctional Center

“I'm really proud of myself.”

— Shoshanna 'Reggie' Norton

“In the process of learning how to do hard math problems, you're learning to be resilient. You're learning not to quit when things get hard.”

— Sherry Carr, Adult Basic Education Instructor

“You're an example to the women who are here watching you, and you're an example to your children, your grandchildren, your families, your brothers, your sisters, and to those folks that are struggling that you may not even know are struggling.”

— Dagoberto Martinez, Warden, South Boise Women's Correctional Center

What’s next

The correctional center plans to continue holding GED graduation ceremonies four times per year, ensuring that every graduate has a chance to attend their own ceremony. The Idaho Department of Corrections also aims to further expand educational opportunities and make them a cultural centerpiece in the state's prisons.

The takeaway

The GED program at the South Boise Women's Correctional Center is a powerful example of how education can transform the lives of incarcerated individuals, not only by opening up career opportunities but also by instilling a sense of pride, resilience, and hope. This program's success highlights the importance of providing educational resources and support to those in the criminal justice system, ultimately benefiting both the individuals and the broader community.