UCARE: Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences
UCARE Research Products
Date of this Version
Spring 2018
Document Type
Poster
Abstract
This study examined the relationship among an inmate’s prior education level, work history, and his/her success in a prison education and training program. Success in prison education and training programs in this study was defined as a positive change in job readiness skills, selfcontrol, and self-esteem.
The study took a mixed-methods approach, based on secondary data analysis. Data came from a faithbased organization which currently facilitates a life skills/job readiness program in some Nebraska prisons and jails. (244 men, 193 women)
Quantitative Data: • No significant relationship between prior education or prior incarceration and the success in the program • The level of prior education, whether it be high school or post-secondary training, did not seem to be important to the success of the inmates.
Qualitative Data: • Essays written by inmates greatly emphasized the support system from volunteers and other classmates, and new relationships they formed • Inmates described a range of skills they either learned for the first time, relearned, or improved (e.g., budgeting, goal-setting, writing resumes, preparing for interviews) • For example, one inmate said, “With all the feedback from you guys I feel so so confident and ready to get out and go to as many [interviews] as I have to with no stress or worry.”
Comments
Copyright 2018 Jayden Barth & Lisa Kort-Butler