COBB COUNTY, GA — A dozen inmates at a metro Atlanta jail celebrated a big milestone this week.

Cobb County jail inmates celebrated graduation from the agency’s GED program.

Sgt. Randall Finney with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office said the six month program allows participants to accomplish something positive.

“A lot of these people did not have the opportunity to earn their high school diploma. It’s a big relief off of their shoulders,” Sgt. Finney said. “I can’t tell you how many times I told people that graduated and finished they cried, jumped, yelled, screamed. The first thing they do when they get back is they want to call their families.”

After completing the GED course, officials say inmates are able to participate in their job training programs.