I've done a bit of searching on the internet, does anyone know of organizations that provide "free" educational courses for inmates?

I've been thinking of seeing if there is a group of people with Trade, Technical, Business, or any Job related skills that might want to come together to create small courses that could be sent to inmates, and once completed, the prisoner would receive a certificate of accomplismant.

These courses would definatly help the inmate, learning is always great.

Also once they've finished them, these certificates can often be used to show Judges, Parole Board, and family, accomplishments.

Not to mention, the prisoner can REALLY learn and be proud.

So, any thoughts ?????

Where can "WE" start ?

I'd be interested in putting something together, and helping, how about you???

Tex

In California there are no education programs for prisoners - BUDGET CUTS!!
If this gets off the ground let me know.
Good idea.

that's news to me. when i was in, there was information about educational oppurtunities after sentencing. i was in a federal facility, so i suppose you are talking about state facilities.

I"m not talking about a HUGE course, I'm talking about 6 to 12 little courses, not credited and very basic.

The guys I write usually take a few mail courses from FEMA, and a few Bible courses, that is the type prisoner I have in mind.

Tex

That's a great idea, Tex, and I would hope that someone has an answer. Unfortunately, not too many good things are free. My PP has taken courses in journalism and English Lit and was very dissatisfied with the quality of instruction. I have just recently asked her if she would be interested in correspondence courses. But, of course, those would not be free.
I would be very interested in hearing what else may be available.

I'm very confused because my penpal is an inmate in a California prison and he has expressed to me that he's studying Philosophy, through correspondence with Coastline Community College.

Melanie,
I think that the confusing part here is that what Tex is refering to would be FREE courses. Yes, there are correspondence courses available, but I think that prisoners must pay for them.
It would be nice if some industrial group would provide some training that is applicable to their industry, thus giving prisoners a boost when they are released.
It sounds like it could be a win win situation, but then, we are all very aware of the prejudices, against ex-cons. So, where would this industrial group come from?
Are we going to start our own business, Tex? :-)

High Desert prison has no state paid courses. Inmates(families) pay for education.

Great idea Tex...would be willing to help anyway I can. Im sure there are a lot of retired teachers or current teachers that have pp that could help construct good courses. Several of my pp have not gotten very far in high school and want their GED. Even if we could do PRE-TEST courses to prepare them to know how to study or even help them with some trade knowledge. GOOD FOR YOU BUD...thats constructive thinking!

Might I suggest that you first contact the State office for the Department of Corrections. Every State has specific guidelines and requirements, as well as qualifying regulations that must be adhered to in order to be approved as a "State Vendor" of services.

All State "vendors", whether it be to provide cleaning supplies, foodstuffs, or educational and vocational training, must BID for the contract to provide it. First, there has to be legislative authority for the prison to PROVIDE the service. Thus, the beginning might be to see if it has been authorized....even FREE services must be legally sanctioned.

And, believe it or not, even FREE services must be BID in certain situations and those providing the services (if approved) must undergo extensive background investigations and pre-service drug screening. They must also submit to all the rules and regulations of the Department of Corrections, as long as they are granted access to the facility. This could mean random drug screens, and daily security checks.

The regulations and standards that govern such things are set by legislative law. These laws must be complied with by DOC. Many of the regulations in place are administered by the State Board of Education, as well, and if it is a vocational program, perhaps by the Secretary of State Licensing Division.

Furthermore, the provider of vocational (industrial) training, whether on a paid basis or gratis, must meet FEDERAL regulatory guidelines, such as those required through O.S.H.A. The providers of the education or training will also have to be familiar with, and adhere to regulations that dictate the treatment of prison inmates. (Study up on your Constitutional Law)

Next is whether or not the facility itself will be able to justify the "security risk" involved in moving groups of inmates into specific areas for "unsupervised" educational classes. There will be questions of liability on the part of the DOC and on the part of the provider of these educational / vocational training programs. The institution also has to consider whether there are available facilities within the prison to accomodate such classes or vocational training.

Most importantly, don't expect something like this to happen "overnight". Do your homework, and find out if there is a door that can be opened within the State beauracracy.

I applaud your intentions. Just remember that it won't be an easy task.