•    What is College Behind Bars?
College Behind Bars is a mentoring program that helps prisoners earn their college degrees while they are incarcerated. It was developed in 2000 by Partakers, Inc., a local faith-based non-profit organization that seeks to reconcile prisoners with society.

•    Why is a college education important?
College degree programs are the single most effective factor in reducing recidivism rates. Nationally, 66 percent of all prisoners return to prison within three years while recidivism rates for those with college degrees are less than 10 percent.

•    Where do prisoners earn their degrees?
The men and women in the College Behind Bars program earn their degrees through Boston University's Metropolitan College. B.U. professors come to the prisons to teach classes. In 1990, B.U. was one of 350 schools that offered a prison education program. But in 1994, Congress cut Pell Grant eligibility for prisoners; by 1997, B.U. was one of only 10 college programs remaining, and the only one of its kind in Massachusetts.

•    How do prisoners get started?
Many prisoners earn their G.E.D.s while they are in prison. Then, they apply to Partakers' College Behind Bars program. In order to qualify for B.U., a prisoner needs nine college credits. Unfortunately, convicted felons don't qualify for aid, so Partakers matches funding institutions, like Trinity, with prisoners who want to get their degrees. Trinity Church has funded six prisoners; the money goes toward the correspondence courses that qualify them for B.U. Once they're accepted, B.U. forgives tuition.

•    What do volunteers do?
Volunteers support the prisoners. Since we can't take anything into the visiting room, it's not traditional tutoring with books. Rather, we act as mentors, providing the encouragement and support they need to succeed.

•    Does mentoring really make a difference?
It really does! While prisoner support may seem unimportant, the vast majority of prisoners are the first in their family to ever take a college course. In order to succeed, they need help. Volunteer mentors provide academic support, resources, and vital contact with a professional world beyond prison, without which education for prisoners would not be as effective. Since College Behind Bars started, B.U.'s Prison Education Program has tripled, and B.U. staff report that Partakers' College Behind Bars students are more likely to enroll, more likely to stay enrolled on a consistent semester-by-semester basis, more likely to complete their degrees, and more likely to do so in a timely manner. This is important because convicted felons don't qualify for financial aid even upon release.

•    But I've never been in a prison - what kind of support will I get?
Don't worry! Most of us doing this hadn't been either. We have guidelines to help you every step of the way, from writing your introductory letter to going on your first visit (someone will go with you). The prison visiting room is a lot like a doctor's office waiting room - bright, open, with comfortable chairs, no plexi-glass and telephones. Each prisoner is supported by a team of four to six volunteers who stay in touch with one another, and work together to support their prisoner. In addition, Trinity's College Behind Bars team meets about once a month for a potluck dinner. It's a great community of people of all ages, and we come together to eat, to sound out and reflect on our experiences, and to pray for one another and the prisoners we support.

•    What kind of time commitment will it mean?
The College Behind Bars team expects each volunteer to visit a minimum of three times a year (with a team of people, a prisoner should get a visit once a month). In between visits, you write to your prisoner and meet with the larger group once a month. Your visits are based on your own schedule - at your convenience - and the prison's visiting hours. Volunteers are expected to stay with the program for the duration of the prisoner's sentence - unless something unforeseeable occurs (a move, for example).

•    How do I get started?
Consider whether this is something that is right for you, and pray. If you're interested in learning more, contact Krista Dahl, krista.dahl@gmail.com, or Martha Byington, mebyington@comcast.net.