Postsecondary Correctional Education program

The Postsecondary Correctional Education program provides educational assistance to individuals incarcerated in New Mexico state prisons. Onsite vocational training and some internet courses are offered to incarcerated individuals that desire to follow their education. The program's objective is to reduce arrests after being released from prison, increase self esteem, and reduce the behavior problems of incarcerated persons. The Postsecondary Correctional Education program has statistically proven to minimize arrests during the one year follow-up period. Several correctional education programs are available, such as an associate's degree program in business administration and university studies, as well as a bachelor's degree program in business administration. Formerly incarcerated individuals may also enroll in occupational certificate programs, where they study one course every session. The purpose of educational programming in prison is to assist individuals in successfully reentering society with basic abilities such as math, reading, and writing. Eligible participants must have a GED or high school diploma, record of good behavior in the prison system, and tested to determine course readiness.