Re-entry Education Services | Western Technical College

Future Students

Re-Entry Services

Project Proven

The Learner Support and Transition Division provides adult education, basic literacy, and GED services to individuals held in area detention centers through our Project Proven program. The services are provided in collaboration with jail staff in La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Jackson Counties. Project Proven aims to reduce recidivism by assisting individuals who are impacted by the justice system transition to the community through career and educational opportunities.

Project Proven provides both current and formerly incarcerated individuals with education, employment assistance, and connections to other community partners to help increase the likelihood of a successful transition from jail into the community. The focus is on helping participants:

  • Complete their GED/HSED and/or enroll in college or certification programming
  • Gain or improve skills to assist in obtaining employment such as filling out applications, interviewing, resume development, job search, and networking
  • Gain or improve skills to help maintain a job such as interpersonal relations, conflict resolution, customer service, etc.
  • Identify community resources that may be useful
  • Learn about budgeting and financial management
  • Learn basic computer skills

Re-Entry Groups and Clubs

Join us on campus for our re-entry groups, focusing on job skills, recreation and technical trades. These groups are run by the Project Proven team and are free to attend.

Job Club - Meets Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. in room 130/132 of the Student Success Center. Connect with fellow peers and professionals as we cover relevant topics in today’s ever-changing job market. Great way to sharpen your skills whether you are thinking about getting back into the workforce, actively looking for a job or career that is right for you, or seeking ways to advance in your career.

Leadership Group - Meets every other Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Success Center. Come collaborate with both students and staff alike as we seek ways to advocate on a community-wide level for our justice-involved population. See how you can be a part of making real change in the community you live in. Tasty food provided free of charge as well – come for the food, stay for the activism!

Wellness Club - Meets Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. in room 130/132 of the Student Success Center. Personal growth and self-care is at the heart of Wellness Club. Here’s your chance to learn more about yourself and find new way to manage stress, learn new coping strategies, and explore all eight dimensions of wellness (emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and financial).

Tech Club - Meets Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. in the Fusion Lab, 4th floor of the Integrated Technology Center. Engage in hands-on activities to gain an understanding of technical occupations. Discover school options, career pathways, new talents, and more. No experience necessary!

Rec Club - Meets every other Friday at 1:00 p.m. at various locations throughout the community. Get into the community and experience La Crosse from a different lens. Join us to celebrate our local landscape through safe, sober, family-friendly recreational activities. Sign-up is required and you can do that here.

Hear from our Students

In the following video, we delve deep into the untold stories of those who've faced the challenges of re-entering the workforce after incarceration. By directly asking them about the misconceptions and stereotypes they battle against, the impact of their justice involvement on their employment opportunities, their favorite jobs since release, and why they believe they're worthy hires, we aim to foster understanding, challenge societal perceptions, and spark meaningful conversations around rehabilitation and reintegration.

Support Project Proven

Project Proven serves hundreds of students every year. To help support these students, we have created the Proven Fund, which aims to reduce specific barriers that hinder our students’ abilities to move forward. 100% of your donations—and the proceeds from our shirt sales—will be placed in the Proven Fund.

Donate or purchase a shirt

Law for Learners: Free, Confidential Legal Help

Legal problems can be overwhelming, confusing and time consuming. They may be affecting your ability to attend classes or go to work, and you may not know what to do or who to talk to.

Law for Learners can help. Experienced legal experts can answer questions and provide legal advice at no charge to you. The topics they can help with include:

  • Bankruptcy
  • Criminal records
  • Driver’s license restoration
  • Family matters
  • Housing.
  • Immigration
  • Unemployment
  • And more

Take control of your legal problem so you can move forward with your life. Get started today!

Disclaimer

Western Technical College partners with Law for Learners, which collaborates with a variety of legal experts to offer free and confidential legal assistance to Western Technical College students and the Western Technical College community. Western Technical College does not provide legal advice or assistance. 

Please be advised that you are receiving legal advice from a participating legal service provider, who is an independent entity. This means that Western Technical College and their agents are not responsible for any advice given to you. Such advice is given solely by the legal service provider, who is not an agent, employee or representative of Western Technical College and its agents.  

Learn more

Please contact us for more information.