Upon arrival, inmates undergo a series of diagnostic evaluations that will determine future prison assignments. Education plays an important role at Western. The prison system's largest school offers the GED program to inmates with the help of Western Piedmont Community College. Due to the age of the prison's inmates, the education program provides an Exceptional Students program for youth with special educational needs. Inmates at Western are also assigned to work on the Department of Transportation road squads or as maintenance, janitorial or kitchen help.
Inmates work with professional staff and peer counselors.
DART relies heavily on the principles of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous with group meetings available in the evenings. Take I-40 to exit 103. Go to the light and turn west towards Rutherfordton onto U.S. 64. Drive about a mile and take a left onto Salem Road. Drive another mile and take a left onto Burkemont Road.