Grants to States for Workplace and Community Transition Training for Incarcerated Youth Offenders “ Youth Offender Program”

Importance of Education in North Carolina 40% of prison population did not have a High School Diploma or GED in By 2004, a typical inmate entering prison was reading at 9 th grade level and math skills were equivalent at 7 th grade level. (July, 2005, NCDOC Office of Research & Planning) Recidivism was 46% lower for prisoners who had participated in postsecondary correctional education than for those ex-offenders who had not taken any college classes. Id. At p.9

Recidivism & Education “A Direct Link” Federal Bureau of Prisons reported a direct correlation between education and low recidivism rates (Harer, 1994). The more educational programs inmates completed while incarcerated, the lower the recidivism rate (Harer, 1994). Another study reported inmates who received either vocational/technical training in prison had the highest rate of post-release employment (Anderson, Anderson, & Schumacker, 1988).

Program Accomplishments Student-inmates demonstrated consistent interest; requested to enroll in more than three- course max. per year. 253 college courses have been offered with a total enrollment of 2,604 and an average GPA of participated in Cognitive Behavior Intervention 479 participated in Employability Skills Training

Program Accomplishments cont’ Ongoing development of three Employment Resource Centers located at Wake Correctional Institution, Sampson Correctional Institution and Fountain Correctional Institution for Women. Partnered with North Carolina Central and IBM to acquire computers for college level computer classes. Expanded the workplace and community transition youth program, bringing the total number of facilities to fourteen.

Program Highlights Program was initiated within the North Carolina prison system eight years ago. The five youth facilities were the initial target market for program. Successful in the youth facilities and expanded to current total of 13 facilities. Correspondence courses added in FY 05.

Program Highlights (con’t) Added computers and offered computer related classes this past semester. Budget increase for the coming fiscal year. Current plans are to add three more facilities to the program. Assured coming budget to include an increase in funds.

Mission Statement The primary mission of the Youth Offender Program is the reduction of recidivism through a highly structured educational based program. Youthful offenders are challenged to utilize their skills to successfully complete college level courses, modify present behavioral patterns that may lead to criminal activity, and to gain insight into daily activities by successfully completing employability skills program.

Three Primary Elements Provide incarcerated youth post-secondary education. (Both on and off facility classes) Provide cognitive behavioral modification training for inmates. Provide employability skills training program for inmates.

Program Requirements Must possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate. Must be 25 years of age or younger. Eligible for release or parole within 5 years.

Post-Secondary Education North Carolina Division of Prisons have partnered with North Carolina University System to provide educational opportunities through curriculum programs allowing inmates to receive an Associate and/or Bachelors degrees. In addition, Distance Learning, in the form correspondence courses, has been an added venue for inmates.

Behavioral Modification Training Develops cognitive skills Builds character Enhances critical thinking skills Heightens self-awareness

Employability Skills Training To prepare the inmates for the world-to-work:  Writing Resumes  Effective Interviewing Techniques  Appropriate Attire  How to Keep the Job

Effective Practices in Correctional Education Things to consider Administration Academic Programs Special Education Employment Preparation Transition and Support Services Program Evaluation and Research

Pending Legislation Increase eligibility from age 25 to age 35. Required five years remain as it currently stands. Up to a max of $1, per year-max same as Pell Grant. Funds may be utilized for post release support continuing for up to one year after release.

What Would the Pending Legislation Mean ?? The Youth Offender Program currently provide services for approximately 6,000 inmates. With an increase in eligilibility from age 25 to 35, the population that would qualify for service with the Youth Offender Program, would increase to 17,000 inmates.

Program Contacts Rose True, Education Director Fax: Ruth Duncan, Education Specialist Ken Phillips, Program Manager

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