Public perception often believes that inmates are just sitting around doing nothing and playing games while spending hard earned taxpayer money. Reality shows that many inmates are actually learning in motion. They are working a job, are participating in education and rehabilitative programs, and are managing a personal life inside and outside the walls of the correctional institution. A study by Carlton found that “Inmates participating in Correctional Education Programs are less likely to return to prison.” 

This presentation shows how much effort behind the scenes the college staff, DOC staff, and students have added to their daily efforts to make education happen. Educational tasks are added to staff’s primary job responsibilities’ often creating conflicting time constraints. Students must choose what program results in them being less likely to return to prison; choosing education over other opportunities often means sacrifices in other areas. Staff and students enrolled in the White Mountains Community College satellite campus at the NH Department of Corrections willingly take on these efforts due to the positive value that education offers to build a better society.

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This piece is part of a larger group submission from WMCC, including:‍

• ‍Mentoring Students‍
• Message to the Public‍
• Class Time