Windham School District and Partners Host Largest College and Career Day to Date
Huntsville, Texas – More than 200 current and prospective students participated in Windham School District’s College and Career Day at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Coffield Unit campus in Tennessee Colony on Aug. 7. The event connected participants with educational, workforce and reentry resources designed to support their success both during and following incarceration. Hosted by Windham’s College and Career Readiness department, the event was the largest College and Career Day in district history.
Representatives from Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC), TDCJ’s Rehabilitation and Reentry Division and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) served as keynote speakers, sharing information about available services and opportunities. Participants also heard from Windham alumnus Joseph Sivadon, a Welding program graduate who now works closely with professional organizations, including the American Welding Society. His experience demonstrated how education and technical training can open doors to meaningful employment after incarceration.
“Events like College and Career Day are an important part of helping attendees see what is possible beyond the classroom,” College and Career Readiness Administrator Ashley Koonce said. “By connecting residents of TDCJ with colleges, workforce organizations, career training programs and reentry resources, we are helping them build plans for their futures and taking meaningful steps toward their educational and career goals.”
In addition to keynote presentations, representatives from the district’s Career and Technical Education and Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training departments staffed resource tables alongside TVCC, TWC and TDCJ’s Rehabilitation and Reentry Division. Attendees rotated among the tables to ask questions, learn about available programs and gather information about services that support successful transition following reentry. Participants also received guidance on Windham program options, higher education enrollment opportunities and career pathways aligned with their interests, aspirations and Texas labor market needs.
“Our goal is to make sure residents of TDCJ have access to the information, resources and encouragement they need to envision and prepare for the next chapter,” North Texas College and Career Readiness Coordinator Kimberly Hodges said. “College and Career Day brings those opportunities directly to attendees and demonstrates the many pathways available to them.”
The event also showcased strong partnerships among the organizations. Together, these collaborations help create a foundation for continued education, sustainable employment and long-term success.
ABOUT WINDHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT
Windham School District (Windham) provides academic, career and technical education and life skills programs to eligible students within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). With 102 campuses located in prison facilities across Texas, Windham strives to equip students with the necessary education and skills to progress to postsecondary education programs and successfully reenter the workforce within their communities. As supported by the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, this article includes utilizing person-first language. The district uses terms such as “student” and “graduate,” to describe people incarcerated in TDCJ facilities, building the foundation for personal and professional growth. For media or partnership inquiries, please contact Danielle Nicholes, Communications Administrator, at danielle.nicholes@wsdtx.org.
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