NCJ Number
85134
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Cooperation between correctional managers and community college administrators in the development of education programs in correctional facilities can produce better allocation of resources, less duplication and competition, and improved services.
Abstract
For the past two decades, institutions of higher education, primarily community colleges, have provided a variety of educational and related services within correctional institutions. Because of financial limitations and the successful existing relationships between corrections and community colleges, it is imperative that further development of this resource be explored. Several key elements are essential for successful programs. Philosophically, both correctional and college administrators must focus on the educational needs of the inmates and how best to serve them, as opposed to focusing on the needs of the institution. The educational programs should also aim at comprehensiveness, with the level of services provided in the correctional setting being comparable to that on campus. Comprehensiveness also provides justification for funding from outside sources. Funding opportunities for education programs sponsored by community colleges within correctional institutions increase as the colleges and students are eligible for a variety of funding assistance programs. Further, it is imperative that community colleges not develop programs in isolation from the input of correctional facilities. Programs should be tailored to the uniqueness of the needs of inmate students, including teaching styles. Eight bibliographic entries are provided.