Supporting Educational Access Among Learners who are Incarcerated: Lessons Learned from Programming, Data Collection, and Assessment

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel includes three papers about the programmatic design, practices, and evaluation of The Petey Greene Program (PGP), a nonprofit organization that provides educational support services to both incarcerated and formerly incarcerated learners. Having established “College Bridge” prep courses for students interested in higher education and a peer-tutoring model for both secondary and post-secondary courses, the PGP has created a dynamic, data-informed process for improving educational and career outcomes. The PGP also presents the role and importance of self-organized learning communities in the context of a prison-based tutoring program. This panel highlights lessons learned from these programs, practices, and processes and the ways in which data are used to improve the evaluability and effectiveness of the PGP’s offerings. Serving as the discussant of this panel, the PGP’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Abramowitz, will frame this discussion in the context of nonprofit organizational and programmatic growth and the role of similar agencies in serving justice-involved learners.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 48. Jails & Prisons

Individual Presentations

• What does success mean? Lessons learned from data-driven program design and refinement at the Petey Greene Program - Nicole Delgadillo, The Petey Greene Program; Chiara Benetollo, The Petey Greene Program

• Leveraging the Power of Self-organized Learning Communities in Correctional Facilities - Chiara Benetollo, The Petey Greene Program

• Evaluability Assessment and Capacity Building of the Petey Greene Program’s College Bridge and Tutoring Programs: Initial Lessons Learned for Becoming Evaluation Ready - Samuel Scaggs, RTI International; Samantha Tosto, RTI International; Alicia McKay, RTI International; Lori Ko, RTI International; Michelle Tolbert, RTI International