Single case study

In 2016, ATLO introduced its proprietary cloud-based secure internet portal through the Louisiana State Penitentiary’s (Angola Prison) Automotive Technology Program. Stakeholders soon realized that delivering this online professional and vocational education training and testing inside correctional facilities could not only be done, but was extremely important to helping these inmates succeed in the future.

Incarcerated students at Angola began training through the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) training course, hoping to earn ASE credentials in multiple areas that included engine repair, electrical, air-conditioning and heating, braking systems, front end and suspensions and more. Students began receiving ASE information in real time while also working hands-on with ASE Master Certified inmate instructors. Partnering with Prometric, the ASE online testing agency, ATLO was successful in a first-of-its-kind certification testing session launched in December 2016 when more than 36 students took ASE certification tests in the re-entry program’s computer lab inside the prison.

A local GM dealership was so impressed by the Angola program that it began hiring the Automotive Technology graduates. Although these formerly incarcerated employees had exceptional credentials through ASE, the GM dealer’s service manager still needed his technicians to be GM certified so they could perform GM warranty work. However, GM had never considered providing online training to incarcerated students due to the internet security issues within correctional facilities. Again, ATLO had a solution. Going through the dealership, ATLO leadership worked closely with GM to illustrate how the program would work and successfully integrated the General Motors online training and testing into its secure platform making it corrections-ready. A first for the nation’s largest automaker.

As a result of bringing in the GM training program, two ASE Master Certified incarcerated students, hired by the dealership before leaving prison, were able to take GM instruction and walk out of Angola starting at more than $42,000 per year as GM certified technicians. The success of the General Motors partnership is just one example of the education and testing possibilities available inside of correctional facilities through the ATLO secure online portal.

Javier Rodriguez

Operations Manager Javier Rodriguez, Operations Manager

A native of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, Clay earned a degree in Computer Science from Southeastern Louisiana University, which he has translated into a successful IT consulting business for since 2003. His professional career has crossed over into a number of different technologies, including systems administration, communications, networks and surveillance. He has designed, developed and successfully marketed information products currently in use by law enforcement, municipalities and private businesses throughout the country. Recognizing the almost unlimited potential of the secure online platform developed through ATLO, he continuously looks for new ways to apply the revolutionary technology to promote education, improve efficiency, and reduce clients’ operating costs.