MARION – Indiana Wesleyan University National and Global (IWU) will begin offering courses at the Plainfield Correctional Facility near Indianapolis.
IWU’s partnership with the Indiana Department of Correction creates a unique opportunity to provide support and preparation for incarcerated learners. These courses generate credits and offer inmates an Essential Business Practices Certificate. The program tailors to the career goals of men and women after they are released from prison.
Chancellor of IWU National and Global, Eileen Hulme stated, “The opportunity to serve individuals in need of a second chance at higher education is in keeping with IWU’s Christian mission and values. Our goal for the emerging educational pathways at Plainfield Correctional Facility is to provide an engaging learning experience that will give students renewed hope and vision for their future.”
The driving force behind this initiative is Dr. Brad Garner, Associate Professor of Education at IWU National and Global. He says, “We are excited about partnering with the Plainfield Correctional Facility to offer the Essential Business Practices Certificate. This partnership will offer hope, skills for the future, and dignity to incarcerated learners in Indiana.”
One major challenge facing men and women released from prison is recidivism, the tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend which leads them back to a correctional facility. However, research indicates inmates who receive college credit while incarcerated are less likely to re-offend.
Garner adds, “There is no doubt that enrollment in college courses is one of the most effective ways to prevent a return to prison after release. Beyond that, however, we look forward to engaging with these students as they plan for a productive life in the community. We are thrilled to be part of that journey with these students.”
The program, aimed at success after release, educates inmates about valuable aspects of business, but also skills to succeed in finding, keeping, and excelling in a business-related career.
“We believe that offering this credential to the Plainfield students advances our IWU mission to an underserved population,” said Dedra Daehn, Director of Accreditation, Assessment, and Curriculum for the DeVoe School of Business, Technology & Leadership at IWU. Daehn was instrumental in developing the curriculum for this initiative and adds, “Courses offered will equip students with marketable, entry-level skills needed in business, management, and accounting. Students will also develop skills in personal finance and prepare for future employment.”
The credits earned in the Essential Business Practices program work for advanced standing in the Associate of Science in Business degree from IWU’s DeVoe School of Business, Technology, & Leadership. Of course, academics are only one aspect of an IWU education. Daehn says, “The first goal in designing this certificate was to provide opportunities for students to learn about or enhance their relationship with Jesus Christ. The second goal was to offer a set of solid business courses that would equip students with skills needed for entry-level positions while also establishing an educational pathway for future degrees.”
IWU is honored to serve the Plainfield Facility and hopes to expand the program in the future. The classes at Plainfield began on June 6th and another cohort began on July 18th. Students can complete courses in about nine months. More information about the IWU and Plainfield Correctional Facility partnership can be found at www.indwes.edu.
