DEER LODGE, Mont. (Gray News) – Six inmates at Montana State Prison are celebrating a big milestone – graduating from college.

According to a news release from the State of Montana, the inmates graduated from Helena College’s automotive technology program on Monday.

“With these certificates, offenders will have a foot up in the job market as they work on reintegrating into our Montana communities,” DOC Rehabilitation and Programs Chief Scott Eychner said. “We’re all happy to celebrate their accomplishments and grateful for our partnership with Helena College.”

The students paid for the course with help from the Prison Education Program.

The state said throughout the course, incarcerated students had classroom lectures and hands-on learning at the prison. They also attended virtual classroom lectures.

One of the graduates, Bryce Adams, said he was happy to have the chance to receive a formal education in a field he is passionate about.

“I have worked on cars my whole life but never had any formal training. This course has given me the formal knowledge to be a professional technician,” Adams said. “This class gives me a leg to stand on and possible employment that is not bottom-of-the-barrel pay. This class ignited my desire to learn and continue future education.”

Helena College Dean/CEO Sandra Bauman attended the graduation ceremony to present the certificates.

“Their dedication to learning and their commitment to building a better future for themselves is truly inspiring,” Bauman said. “This program exemplifies our belief in the transformative power of education and equipping individuals with the skills they need for successful reentry into their communities.”

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