Title: FAQ: Prison Educational Programs - Prison Fellowship
Headings: FAQ: Prison Educational Programs
FAQ: Prison Educational Programs
WHICH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE TO PRISONERS?
HIGHER EDUCATION
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
LIFE SKILLS
WHO ARE THE STUDENTS?

Content: Inmates are selected for participation based on their academic skills, disciplinary record, level of custody, length of sentence, and program availability. HIGHER EDUCATION
Most prisons offer basic literacy programs for prisoners functioning below the sixth-grade level and GED classes for those wanting to complete high school. For those who have completed high school, post-secondary educational opportunities may be available through contracts with community colleges and universities. If accepted into a college-level program, it is possible for a prisoner to earn an associate degree and perhaps even go on to obtain a Baccalaureate degree. However, some prisoners prefer to earn a vocational certificate. CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
A few prisoners get permission to take for-credit correspondence courses offered by colleges or universities, although they have to pay tuition and keep up with class assignments they receive by mail. Some prisoners may also receive permission to take free or low-cost Bible correspondence courses offered by churches and other religious organizations. LIFE SKILLS
Many prisons offer life skills programs, which are non-credit courses designed to help prisoners learn to manage anger, overcome criminal thinking, set and achieve goals, become more responsible, develop healthy relationships, and avoid substance abuse. Prisoners are also strongly encouraged to participate in 12-step programs such as Celebrate Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous. Community volunteers often lead these classes.