College leads county jails initiative

Genesee Community College is one of 13 national recipients, and the only college, to receive a U.S. Department of Education Life Skills for State and Local Prisoners grant. The college hopes to develop a model that can be used to further rural jail postsecondary education transition efforts, both in western New York and throughout the nation. The Rural Jail Postsecondary Transition (RJPT) program attempts to meet the needs of men and women incarcerated in Western New York rural county jails by providing access to postsecondary education. The program offers both developmental "college readiness" assistance and up to 15 college credits, for inmates who meet selection criteria developed by the college. Inmate eligibility is based on conviction status, ability to pay, prior academic success and motivation, among other factors. Jail officials have input into candidates for potential student status as well.

GCC was awarded this grant in part because of its past experience with inmate education. The college had a program in the 1970s through 1990s that offered educational opportunities to inmates of state prisons. The program was discontinued in 1994 after eligibility for funding was cut. The new program focuses on five rural jails in Genesee, Orleans, Livingston, Wyoming and Allegany counties.

For information about the Rural Jail Postsecondary Transition program, contact Raymond Walker, director, at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6432.

February 11, 2007