Benefits of and Reflections on Extension Credentialing Programs for Inmates
Early Career Development
Yvette Goodiel
Sustainability & Comm. Hort. Extension Agent III
UF/IFAS
Stuart
Abstract
As Extension Agents, we strive to serve traditionally underserved audiences and make a difference in their lives and livelihoods. Inmates in federal and state prisons represent one such underserved audience, where extension vocational programs can have tremendous benefit. About four in ten inmates released from state prisons are reincarcerated within three years of release. The Bureau of Justice Assistance found a 13% decrease in risk of reincarceration for inmates who participated in education programs during their confinement. According to the Department of Justice, for every dollar invested in prison education, incarceration costs are reduced by four to five dollars within the first three years post-release of an inmate. The Florida Department of Corrections and UF/IFAS Extension began collaborating in 2021 to offer inmates a series of certificate programs at the Martin Correctional Facility. Through pre-/post-tests and reflective surveys (IRB202101126), we documented strong knowledge gains (16% knowledge gains for Green Industry Best Management Practices, 18% for Business Basics, and 57% for Beginning Farmer). In post-program surveys, inmates also expressed their intentions to adopt recommended practices as a result of what they learned, including rotating crops on the correctional facility’s farm to reduce pest/disease pressure and pursuing green industry professional licensing/certification. In 2022, we expanded program offerings to include more horticulture programs, as well as personal finance classes. We are currently planning FY23 programs, based on input from class participants, instructors, and the facility's education coordinator. Providing extension programs to inmates gives them an opportunity for positive growth and development during their incarceration, helps them in their efforts to contribute fresh produce to their community, and gives them credentials they can use when seeking employment after release. In preventing recidivism, extension education programs like ours offer a strong return on investment and help ex-offenders reenter society successfully.
Authors: Yvette Goodiel, Carol Roberts, Jennifer Pelham, Christine Kelly-Begazo, Cesar Peralta, Katherine Layton
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Yvette Goodiel Sustainability & Comm. Hort. Extension Agent III, UF/IFAS Extension Martin County, Florida, 34996-4007
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Carol Roberts Community Resource Development Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, Florida, 34945
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Jennifer Pelham CED and Urban Horticulture Extension Agent IV, UF/IFAS Extension Martin County, Florida, 34996
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Christine Kelly-Begazo CED and Agriculture Extension Agent III, UF/IFAS Extension Indian River County, Florida, 32960
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Cesar Peralta GI-BMP Regional Coordinator for South Florida, UF/IFAS Florida Friendly Landscaping Program, Florida, 34120
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Katherine Layton Education Coordinator, Martin Correctional Institution, Florida, 34956