Governor Lombardo and the Nevada Board of State Prison Commissioners heard public testimony and departmental updates on June 13 as the Nevada Department of Corrections described efforts to expand education, vocational training and tablet-based programming.

Jared Orcutt, identifying himself as the educational partnership programs coordinator at Truckee Meadows Community College but speaking on his own behalf, described three prior incarcerations and said the TMCC computer lab and the partnership with Northern Nevada Transitional Housing and NDOC ‘‘gave me a second chance’’ and ‘‘opened that door’’ to training and degrees. ‘‘Access to higher education builds internal architecture, a moral and cognitive framework that’s missing in prison,’’ Orcutt said, adding he will complete his bachelor’s degree in December and plans to pursue a master’s in public administration.

Jeff Hawkins, representing Companion Automotive, urged the board to fund internet access at Northern Nevada Correctional Center so auto-technology instruction can meet current standards. Hawkins said he wants to expand the program statewide and described a recently released participant who has performed well in his shop.

During departmental remarks, Director Zarenda described a tablet rollout beginning at Northern Nevada Transitional Housing and Casa Grande Transitional Housing and said tablets will enable video visits and on-device programming. ‘‘The tablet visits will not be replacing in person visits,’’ Zarenda said, noting in-person visitation will continue and tablets will provide an additional option.

Emily Testfried, deputy director of programs, outlined the department’s program structure and partnerships with local colleges and school districts and said participation in programs has risen from about 10 percent in January to ‘‘nearly doubled’’ in a recent snapshot. Testfried said the department is expanding vocational offerings, peer-led programs and reentry services and is working to improve data collection and individualized case planning.

Board members praised the program expansions and asked for more detail on participation rates and pathways to employment. NDOC staff said some equipment and capital projects approved during the legislative session will address culinary and laundry deficiencies cited in inspection reports.

Next steps: NDOC said it will continue tablet installations and program rollouts and provide further metrics on program participation and outcomes at future meetings.