The Kansas Correctional Industries program is being recognized for its work preparing Kansas prison residents for employment after their release.

Kansas Department of Corrections officials say K-C-I has been awarded the 2027 Performance Excellence Award from the National Correctional Industries Association.

K-C-I provides job training and work experience in 12 areas, including manufacturing, agriculture, food products, animal husbandry and woodworking. The program also has 41 workforce agreements with private companies that employ residents.

Officials say residents who participate in K-C-I have lower recidivism rates and are more likely to find employment after release.

N-C-I-A President Jeremy Elder says about 13 percent of Kansas inmates are employed in industry positions, putting Kansas among the national leaders.

The award will be formally presented to Kansas Correctional Industries at the N-C-I-A awards banquet in Columbus, Ohio, in April.