The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has officially launched a new program aimed at helping inmates build better futures, both inside the jail and after release.

During a ceremony Wednesday at the Summit County Jail, Sheriff Kandy Fatheree announced the start of the I.G.N.I.T.E. program, which stands for Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education.

The program focuses on education, job training, and personal development, while also rewarding positive behavior and encouraging healthy interactions with corrections staff. Participants gain access to classes, certifications, and connections to employers willing to offer second chances after incarceration.

I.G.N.I.T.E. was first created in Michigan and later adopted nationwide by the National Sheriff’s Association. Research shared at the event shows strong results, including reduced jail misconduct, lower recidivism rates, and improved reading and math skills among participants.

Sheriff Fatheree says the goal is simple: help people leave jail better prepared to succeed, while also improving safety and reducing repeat incarcerations across the community. Summit County becomes the 34th county in the nation, and the largest in Ohio, to adopt the program.