IGNITE ( Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education)
IGNITE is designed to provide incarcerated individuals with meaningful educational opportunities that instill hope and prepare them for successful reintegration into society. The program partners with businesses and community organizations to deliver practical, job-ready skills. Courses include skilled trades training, employment counseling, financial literacy, SERV Safe certification, parenting classes, and religious and counseling services. Research conducted by scholars from Harvard University, Brown University, and the University of Michigan has found that IGNITE is effective not only in reducing recidivism, but also in improving post-release employment outcomes and fostering positive behavioral change within jails. The Wood County Jail launched IGNITE November 5, 2025.
Current Partnerships Include:
- American Red Cross
- NAMI Wood County
- Bowling Green State University
- Carpenters Local 351
- Directions Credit Union
- Penta Career Center
- Harbor Behavioral Health
- Ohio Guidestone
- Wood County Adult Probation
- Ohio Means Job / Wood County Job and Family Services
- Unison Health
If you would like to learn how your business or trade could get involved in this program, please contact us!
Captain Rebecca McMonigal
Jail Administrator
419-354-6384
rmcmonigal@woodcountyohio.gov
ENDORSED BY THE National Sheriffs’ Associaton
