Pathways to Self Sufficiency-Academic and Work Force Development Programs at Montana Women's Prison

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Montana State University (MSU) at Billings will use the FY2009 grant funds to develop and expand academic and short-term workforce training programs for women incarcerated at the Montana Women's Prison. Program activities will include mathematics, literacy, job readiness, and career assessment training. The program is intended to allow the women offenders to become self-sufficient and decrease the recidivism rate. MSU will also coordinate with the Billings Workforce Development Centers to provide additional support services and to initiate mentoring activities that target women offenders.

NCA/NCF