1. Project Objective

Rehabilitation programs within correctional facilities often struggle to address fundamental educational barriers that hinder inmates’ successful reintegration into society. Research indicates that improving literacy levels and identifying barriers to reading can significantly enhance self-esteem, spark a desire for continued education, and foster a sense of respect for self and society. These improvements could pave the way for degree programs and a clearer vision for life post-incarceration.

Yet, existing programs frequently fail to diagnose or screen and address underlying reading barriers such as ADHD, dyslexia, and visual impairments.

2. The Challenge

Using advanced technologies like Reading XR and SphereGen Hololens glasses, student teams are tasked with addressing the critical issue of literacy barriers in inmate populations.

• Reading XR: A cutting-edge tool that evaluates reading fluency by analyzing eye movements, screening for ADHD, dyslexia, and visual problems, and operating seamlessly across languages.
• SphereGen Hololens: Augmented reality technology to enhance the learning and screening process.

Student Goal:

Develop a comprehensive program to:

1. Identify Reading Barriers: Design testing procedures to screen inmates using Reading XR and SphereGen Hololens glasses.
2. Organize and Analyze Data: Create an organizational system for recording and analyzing screening results.
3. Track Progress: Develop a method to monitor inmates’ reading progress during incarceration and post-release.
4. Propose Solutions: Recommend partnerships with rehabilitation programs and external organizations to address identified barriers.

3. Project Scope

Phase 1: Research and Planning (Weeks 1-4)

• Conduct background research on current literacy programs in correctional facilities.
• Gain familiarity with Reading XR and SphereGen technologies and their applications.
• Investigate the relationship between literacy barriers and successful rehabilitation.
• Develop detailed testing procedures to assess inmates’ reading abilities and identify barriers.

Phase 2: Implementation and Data Organization (Weeks 5-8)

• Use simulated data or partner with facilities to test and refine your screening procedures.
• Build an organizational framework for recording results, such as a database or software solution.
• Analyze sample data to identify trends and common barriers among inmates.

Phase 3: Progress Tracking and Solution Development (Weeks 9-12)

• Create a scalable system to monitor inmates’ progress over time.
• Recommend partnerships with educational institutions, rehabilitation programs, or other stakeholders.
• Draft a plan for integrating solutions into existing correctional rehabilitation programs.

4. Deliverables

1. Testing Procedure Manual: Step-by-step guide on administering reading assessments.
2. Organizational System: Prototype database or system for managing and analyzing data.
3. Progress Tracking Framework: Methodology for evaluating inmate literacy improvements.
4. Partnership Plan: List of potential collaborators and their roles in implementing solutions.
5. Final Presentation: Comprehensive report and presentation of findings and recommendations.

5. Potential Partners

• U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons
• State and local correctional rehabilitation programs
• National Institute of Corrections
• Literacy organizations like ProLiteracy and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
• Technology partners specializing in rehabilitation tools
• Universities with rehabilitation and psychology programs

6. Evaluation Criteria:

• Innovation: Creativity in addressing literacy barriers with advanced technologies.
• Feasibility: Practicality and scalability of proposed solutions.
• Impact: Potential for measurable improvements in inmate literacy and rehabilitation outcomes.
• Collaboration: Effective integration of potential partners and resources.
• Clarity: Quality and professionalism of deliverables.

7. Student Benefits

1. Real-World Learning:
   • Apply knowledge to a meaningful, real-world problem.
   • Gain hands-on experience working with cutting-edge technology and tools.
2. Workforce Skill Development:
   • Build employable skills, including communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
   • Develop project management skills, including organizing data, meeting deadlines, and delivering professional presentations.
3. Networking Opportunities:
   • Collaborate with corporate partners, rehabilitation program leaders, and industry experts.
   • Build connections with stakeholders in technology, literacy, and corrections fields.
4. Resume and Portfolio Building:
   • Showcase project experience on resumes and in interviews.
   • Develop tangible deliverables, such as reports, prototypes, and presentations, to include in professional portfolios.
5. Leadership and Interdisciplinary Growth:
   • Work in interdisciplinary teams, gaining insight into criminology, psychology, rehabilitation, and technology applications.
   • Lead initiatives that contribute to transformative change in society.

Why It Matters

This project provides an opportunity for student teams to contribute meaningfully to inmate rehabilitation by addressing one of the most fundamental barriers to reintegration: literacy. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and interdisciplinary collaboration, teams can develop solutions that promote personal growth, reduce recidivism, and create pathways for inmates to lead fulfilling lives post-incarceration. Students gain invaluable experience while making a lasting impact on the U.S. correctional system.