How does it work?

1. APPLICATION PROCESS
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Anyone can apply (all faith backgrounds are welcome)
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Participation is voluntary
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GED required
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A lengthy application is filled out with several
essay questions, and background history -
Trinity International University and WIEA inquire regarding any safety or disciplinary concerns
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Face-to-face interview that sets high expectations
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Acceptance is announced
2. PREPARATION
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Pre-program curriculum to prepare for college curriculum
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The pre-program curriculum includes a list of books to read and papers to write
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Summer time frame
3. CLASS WORK
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Adjunct professors are provided by Trinity International University
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Class goes from morning til dinner, five days a week, 8 hours per day
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15 credits per term, three terms per year
Summer internship program -
Inmates will need to willingly go back into medium security (where classes are held) in order to participate
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Observable spiritual, mental and emotional transformation happens in students
4. GRADUATION AND FIELD MENTORS
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Graduates receive an accredited degree
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After graduation inmates become Field Mentors
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Field Mentors are inmates who graduate from the program who counsel, educate, and mentor other inmates
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They live with and connect with other inmates – peer-to-peer — within the prison environment
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They often have credibility with the most influential inmates (gatekeepers), because they are influential gatekeepers in the prison and in their communities
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Research has shown that these Field Mentors are catalysts for personal transformation and reduction in violence
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Field Mentors function as peacemakers
5. ADDING MORE STUDENTS
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25 students will be added each year
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In 2-3 years we plan to increase the size of our classroom facilities
