Insight Incorporated - A Higher Education Model for Prisons in the 1980's (From Proceedings of the Thirty-Sixth Annual Correctional Education Association Conference, P 20-29, 1981 - See NCJ-85125)

• NCJ Number: 85128
• Author(s): D F Detzner
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Insight Incorporated, an inmate-administered, privately funded inmate higher education bachelor's program for Minnesota inmates, has those elements of cost-effectiveness that make it a model for higher education programs in other correctional institutions.

Abstract

Insight Inc. was formed in 1975 because it was obvious to a group of inmates at the Stillwater State Prison that the academic orientation of the prison was toward remedial education, while higher education programs were lacking. The nonprofit corporation has gained funds for tuition, books, computer terminals, and other instructional materials from contributions by more than 30 corporations and foundations located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The program's emphasis is on full-time study, support services, a sane living environment, and the completion of the baccalaureate degree. Inmates participating in the program are placed in separate housing with facilities appropriate for the study orientation. Students must hold regular full-time jobs in one of several prison industries, and in the evenings and on weekends they work on a course load of at least 12 credits. Of the 34 persons released on parole who have participated in the program, three are currently enrolled in college, two have returned to prison, and 29 are employed. Factors in the success of the program appear to be the selection process, high expectations and demands made by peers, and the supportive living and study environment.