Another Program Approved: Lewis-Clark State College Gains Federal Recognition for Prison Education

Lewis-Clark State College (LC State) has achieved a significant milestone in prison education. The institution recently received federal approval for its Prison Education Program (PEP), making it the first and only Idaho institution to obtain such recognition. This approval allows LC State's incarcerated students in Orofino, Boise, and Pocatello to apply for and potentially receive Pell grants, just like students on campus.

The rapidly expanding prison education program at LC State has successfully completed the final step of the PEP approval process. According to the Department of Education, LC State is one of only 11 approved Prison Education Programs nationwide, and among this select group, it is one of only three institutions offering both associate and bachelor's degrees.

Currently, LC State serves nearly 150 incarcerated students across three correctional facilities in Idaho. The institution offers both online and in-person coursework, setting it apart from other programs and proving to be a difference-maker for students. This federal approval marks a significant step forward in Idaho's efforts to reduce recidivism and increase its workforce through education.

Federal Approval of LC State's Prison Education Program

Lewis-Clark State College has achieved a significant milestone in prison education. The institution's program has received federal approval, marking a crucial step forward for incarcerated students in Idaho.

PEP Approval Process Completion

On October 11, 2024, LC State received notification from the U.S. Department of Education that its prison education program successfully completed the final step of the Prison Education Program (PEP) approval process. This achievement makes LC State the first and only Idaho institution to obtain such approval.

The approval process required LC State to meet stringent federal standards for educational quality and program effectiveness. The institution demonstrated its commitment to providing high-quality education to incarcerated individuals through both online and in-person coursework.

Significance for Idaho

LC State's PEP approval holds immense importance for the state of Idaho. As the first Idaho institution to receive this approval, LC State is leading the way in expanding educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals.

The program serves nearly 150 students across three correctional facilities in Orofino, Boise, and Pocatello. With PEP status, these students can now apply for and potentially receive Pell grants, significantly improving their access to higher education.

Idaho Department of Correction Director Josh Tewalt emphasized the program's importance in reducing recidivism and helping individuals succeed after incarceration.

Nationwide Context

LC State's prison education program stands out on a national level. As of October 2, 2024, it is one of only 11 approved Prison Education Programs in the United States. Moreover, it is among just three institutions offering both associate and bachelor's degrees to incarcerated students.

This places LC State at the forefront of prison education nationwide. The institution's approach, which combines online and in-person coursework, has proven effective in meeting the unique needs of incarcerated students.

LC State's participation in the Department of Education's Second Chance Pell Experiment in 2022 paved the way for this federal approval, demonstrating the institution's commitment to expanding educational opportunities for all.

Educational Offerings and Student Impact

Lewis-Clark State College's prison education program provides diverse degree options and flexible learning methods to incarcerated students across Idaho. The program's expansion and federal approval have significantly increased educational access and opportunities for inmates.

Associate and Bachelor's Degrees

LC State offers both associate and bachelor's degrees to incarcerated students, setting it apart from most other approved Prison Education Programs nationwide. This dual-degree approach provides students with multiple pathways to further their education while incarcerated.

The college's curriculum likely covers a range of disciplines, allowing inmates to pursue various academic interests and career preparation goals. By offering higher-level degrees, LC State equips students with advanced knowledge and skills that may enhance their post-release employment prospects.

Student Enrollment Figures

As of fall 2024, LC State's prison education program has enrolled nearly 150 incarcerated students across three correctional facilities in Idaho:

• 76 students at the Orofino correctional institution

• 40 students in Boise

• 12 students at the women's correctional center in Pocatello

These enrollment numbers demonstrate the program's reach and impact across different regions and demographics within the state's prison system. The significant student participation highlights the demand for higher education among incarcerated individuals.

Coursework Delivery Methods

LC State employs a hybrid approach to deliver coursework to incarcerated students, combining online and in-person instruction. This blended model offers several advantages:

1. Online components provide flexibility and access to digital resources.

2. In-person classes offer direct interaction with instructors and peers.

3. The combination supports various learning styles and preferences.

The college's commitment to in-person instruction sets it apart from many other prison education programs. This face-to-face interaction has proven particularly effective in engaging students and promoting academic success.

Administrative Perspectives

The approval of LC State's Prison Education Program has garnered positive responses from key administrative figures. Their statements highlight the program's significance and potential impact on incarcerated individuals and the state of Idaho.

Statements from LC State President

LC State President Cynthia Pemberton expressed pride in the institution's leadership role in prison education in Idaho. She emphasized LC State's commitment to personalized education, stating they "specialize in meeting students where they are and treating them like a name, not a number."

President Pemberton noted that LC State is well-positioned to lead in this area as Idaho aims to reduce recidivism and expand its workforce. She acknowledged the effort required to earn the federal designation, thanking the team for their hard work.

The president highlighted LC State's unique approach, offering both online and in-person coursework to incarcerated students. This blend has proven effective in supporting student success.

Idaho Department of Correction's Viewpoint

Josh Tewalt, director of the Idaho Department of Correction, described the PEP approval as an important milestone for both LC State and Idaho. He emphasized the direct link between education and post-incarceration success.

Tewalt expressed gratitude to President Pemberton and her team for their continued efforts and achievements. He recognized LC State's leadership in making educational opportunities available throughout Idaho.

The director's comments underscored the collaborative nature of the program, highlighting the partnership between educational institutions and correctional facilities. This cooperation aims to create meaningful opportunities for incarcerated individuals to pursue higher education.

Financial Aid Accessibility

Lewis-Clark State College's prison education program now provides expanded financial aid options for incarcerated students. This includes access to federal Pell grants and participation in the Second Chance Pell Experiment.

Pell Grants for Incarcerated Students

With its Prison Education Program (PEP) approval, LC State can now offer Pell grants to eligible incarcerated students. This applies to nearly 150 students across correctional facilities in Orofino, Boise, and Pocatello.

Pell grant access allows these students to receive federal financial aid, similar to on-campus students. This funding can help cover educational expenses and reduce financial barriers to pursuing higher education while incarcerated.

The PEP status makes LC State the first and only Idaho institution to offer this level of financial aid accessibility to incarcerated students.

Second Chance Pell Experiment Participation

LC State was selected in 2022 to participate in the Department of Education's Second Chance Pell Experiment. This initiative temporarily extended Pell grant eligibility to incarcerated students at the Orofino facility.

The experiment aimed to evaluate the impact of financial aid on educational outcomes for incarcerated individuals. It served as a precursor to the broader PEP approval, allowing LC State to refine its processes and demonstrate the effectiveness of prison education programs.

With full PEP approval, the college can now offer Pell grants to all its incarcerated students, building on the foundation established through the Second Chance Pell Experiment.

Program Success Factors

LC State's prison education program has achieved remarkable success due to several key factors. The college's approach emphasizes personalized education, focuses on reducing recidivism, and aims to increase workforce participation among formerly incarcerated individuals.

Personalized Educational Approach

LC State's commitment to treating students "like a name, not a number" forms the foundation of its personalized educational approach. This philosophy extends to their prison education program, ensuring incarcerated students receive individualized attention and support.

The college offers both online and in-person coursework, with the latter being a distinguishing feature that has proven particularly effective. This blend of delivery methods allows for flexibility while maintaining personal connections between students and instructors.

LC State's small team dedicates significant effort to understanding each student's unique circumstances and educational needs. This tailored approach helps incarcerated learners overcome challenges specific to their environment and maximizes their chances of academic success.

Recidivism Reduction Goals

The program's focus on reducing recidivism aligns with broader correctional objectives. Education has been directly linked to lower rates of reoffending, making LC State's efforts crucial in breaking the cycle of incarceration.

By offering both associate and bachelor's degrees, LC State provides incarcerated students with varied educational pathways. This range of options increases the likelihood of students finding a program that matches their interests and career goals.

The college's status as one of only 11 approved Prison Education Programs nationwide underscores its commitment to excellence in this field. This recognition enables students to access Pell grants, further supporting their educational pursuits and potential for successful reintegration.

Workforce Increase Initiatives

LC State's prison education program plays a vital role in increasing Idaho's workforce by equipping incarcerated individuals with valuable skills and knowledge. The college's offerings are designed to align with current job market demands, enhancing graduates' employability upon release.

The program's expansion to multiple correctional facilities across Idaho demonstrates its commitment to reaching a broader population of incarcerated individuals. This wider reach increases the potential impact on the state's workforce.

Collaboration with the Idaho Department of Correction ensures that the educational programs complement existing rehabilitation efforts. This partnership helps create a seamless transition from incarceration to employment, supporting both individual success and economic growth in Idaho.

Accreditation Process Prior to Department of Education Approval

Before receiving Department of Education approval, Lewis-Clark State College had to complete several critical steps. The institution first needed to obtain approval from its regional accrediting agency.

This process involved a thorough review of the college's prison education program to ensure it met acceptable quality standards. The accrediting agency evaluated factors such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student support services.

LC State also had to secure approval from the Idaho Department of Correction. This step was crucial to ensure the program aligned with correctional facility regulations and security protocols.

Additionally, the college needed to demonstrate its ability to deliver quality education in a prison setting. This included:

• Developing appropriate course materials

• Training faculty for the unique challenges of teaching incarcerated students

• Establishing support systems for enrolled inmates

The institution also had to show its commitment to maintaining academic integrity within the prison education program. This involved implementing measures to prevent academic dishonesty and ensure fair assessment practices.

By successfully completing these steps, LC State positioned itself for the final approval from the U.S. Department of Education, ultimately leading to its designation as an approved Prison Education Program.