Partnerships Between Community Colleges and Prisons Providing Workforce Education and Training to Reduce Recidivism

This resource discusses the logistics behind a partnership between prisons and community colleges in order to reduce recidivism rates. 

Author(s)
Michelle Tolbert
Author(s) Organizational Affiliation
MPR Associates, Inc.
Publication Year
2009
Resource Type
Product
Number of Pages
45
Abstract

This review of partnerships between community colleges and prisons seeks to: increase the visibility of partnerships between community colleges and prisons, encourage their replication in other communities, and illustrate how these partnerships can be a win-win for all involved—community colleges, prisons, inmates, and the public. Providing correctional education to inmates gives community colleges the opportunity to increase their student enrollment and revenue and fulfill their mission to make education available to all local residents. By collaborating with community colleges, prisons can strengthen and expand their educational services to prepare inmates more effectively for their transitions to life beyond prison.

Benefits and Uses

Representatives from 11 states-Alabama, California, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin-were contacted to learn more about the partnerships between prisons and community colleges. Their experiences taught us about:

  • The education and employment needs
  • The value of forming, coordinating, and funding partnerships to address the employment and education needs of ex-offenders
  • The benefits of inmates, prisons, community colleges, and public partnerships
  • The challenges, resources, and tools available to community colleges and prisons for forging strong partnerships
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