Program Title	Transformations
Location	Laconia, NH
Current Status	Active
Objectives	Employ ex-offenders Retrain displaced workers Reduce recidivism Provide future choices for education and employment Improve earnings Lower costs of the criminal justice system Enhance the economy Promote citizenship
Target Population	Young, first-time, non-violent offenders, average age 26, that have completed any drug/alcohol/behavior rehabilitation.
Providers/Partners	New Hampshire Community Technical College- Laconia (Department of Regional Community Technical Colleges) New Hampshire Department of Corrections New Hampshire Department of Employment Security
Program Design	16-week training sessions in technology: personal computer with an option in business or PC technical industrial technology with an option in maintenance or machinist
Curriculum
Key Features	Inmates must have an 8th grade reading and math level and approved by Corrections. Students earn 30 college credits and a Transformations Certificate. Counseling in employment skills, living skills, and career planning are incorporated into the program. Includes a learning lab for students needing remedial work before acceptance.
Results	By December 1997, 12 cycles completed with 245 graduates 90% plan further education Earnings $2-$8 higher than minimum wage Less than 12% recidivism for graduates
Program Costs
Funding Sources	Began with a grant from the Federal Department of Corrections Education
Key Contacts	Bonnie Lockwood, Program Director, New Hampshire Community Technical College, (603)524-3207