The CI Model

CI's goal is to connect formerly incarcerated people with higher education opportunities. Preliminary data suggests that CI students are able to gain the tools necessary to begin and complete a college education; develop important life and leadership skills; gain access to meaningful, well paying jobs; and develop both the skills and awareness needed to become stabilizing forces in their communities. 

CI's activities are built around a successful six-pronged program model: 

1. Correspondence with and recruitment of prisoners planning for release: This jump-starts CI's relationship with potential students who are still incarcerated.
   
2. Academic coaching and preparation for required placement exams: Nearly 80% of CI students have earned GEDs while in prison. There is a critical need to address the academic gap between GED and college level work, which is filled by CI's free College Prep program, offered every semester since fall 2003.
   
3. Reentry support in collaboration with CI's extensive network of partners: CI's collaboration with a network of community partners assists students with employment, housing, physical and mental health and family needs.
   
4. Access to financial aid, book stipends, scholarships and help with outstanding student loans:  Many formerly incarcerated students are unaware that they are eligible for federal (Pell) and New York State (TAP) financial aid after release.  CI staff assists them with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, as well as those for scholarships and fellowships. CI also informs students about how to meet financial gaps and provides assistance in negotiating outstanding student loans. Additionally, a recent grant has allowed CI to provide book stipends for all enrolled students.  Stipends are tied to academic performance and community "giveback".
   
5. Tutoring, peer mentors, community "give back", student events and celebrations:  Students benefit from ongoing CI support, including tutoring, a variety of  internship/volunteer opportunities, leadership development seminars, student meetings, and special and celebratory events.  CI's partnership with COPE (College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment) offices on 10 CUNY campuses, offers students access to  COPE's services including free academic support, Metrocards, employment counseling and childcare referrals.
   
6. Future academic and workforce planning:  CI staff guide and support students in their search for meaningful employment by fostering relationships with professors, peers and other mentors; encouraging student internships sponsored by their home colleges; and utilizing CI's network of community partners.  The internal CI student network is also an important source of employment opportunities.