Unlocking Doors for the Locked-Out: How Can Community Colleges Help to Demolish Barriers, Build Bridges, and Transition Male Ex-Offenders into the Workforce

Author

Jeannette Collins-Molden, National-Louis University

Degree Date

8-2009

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Academic Discipline

Community College Leadership

Abstract

Over 670,000 adult prisoners were released in 2004. It is estimated that by 2010 over 1.2 million inmates will be released annually. The purpose of this study was to explore (a) barriers that male ex-offenders encounter in their pursuit of entering the workforce and (b) various types of education and support services that community colleges could provide in order to assist this marginalized population in overcoming these barriers. This qualitative case study was conducted at a community college offering programs that attracted a population of at least 50% male ex-offenders. Six male ex-offender students, four of the case study institution professionals, and two potential employers were interviewed for this study. Observations, documents, demographic questionnaires, and field notes were also used to gather data. The findings indicate clearly that male ex-offenders encounter a number of barriers to their entry into the workforce such as lack of education, recidivism, criminal background, and mindset. Screening, life skills, and connection and job placements were the three themes identified as various types of education and support services that community colleges could provide in order to assist this marginalized population in overcoming these barriers.

Recommended Citation

Collins-Molden, Jeannette, "Unlocking Doors for the Locked-Out: How Can Community Colleges Help to Demolish Barriers, Build Bridges, and Transition Male Ex-Offenders into the Workforce" (2009). Dissertations. 19.
https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/19