Desistance is supported by three main factors: social bonds, educational attainment, and employment. FPEP offers impactful programs that focus on building social relationships, educating students, and preparing them for employment.
FPEP’s curriculum is aligned with the State of Florida’s General Education Program (GEP) for easy transfer of up to 45 credits through the Prior Learning Assessment Program.
FCHEP serves as a platform for:
- Sharing Best Practices
- Exchanging ideas and strategies that have proven effective in delivering quality education within correctional facilities.
- Advocating for Policy Change
- Collaborating on policy initiatives that support and enhance higher education in prisons at the local and state levels.
- Building Partnerships
- Fostering relationships between institutions, organizations, and individuals to create a more robust support network for educational programs in prisons.
Members of FCHEP include the Florida Prison Education Project at the University of Central Florida, the Entrepreneurial Business in Prison Program at the University of South Florida, the Institute for Educational Empowerment at Miami Dade College, the Philosophy in Prison Program at the University of North Florida, and Exchange for Change, a Miami-based non-profit that partners with the University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University, and Florida International University. Are you interested in joining FCHEP? Email [email protected] for more information.Find us on Instagram
Classes
The Florida Prison Education Project has offered classes at the Central Florida Reception Center (CFRC), Avon Park, Hardee, Hernando, Lake, Polk, and Zephyrhills Correctional Institutions for Continuing Education Certification.
Summer 2024
CFRC – East Unit
3D Design Fundamentals in Visual Arts (James Wysolmierski)
This course seeks to expand an understanding of design theory as it relates to the two and three-dimensional world. Working primarily in paper and oil-based clay, students will explore concepts to familiarize themselves with the process of creating two and three-dimensional projects while emphasizing design principles and elements. The main objective of this course is the development of critical thinking skills as they apply to visual aesthetic issues.
CFRC – South Unit
ART 2201C – Design Fundamentals - Two Dimensional (Alexander Alvarez)
This course prepares students in the analysis and making of images and aesthetic objects to consider issues regarding art production, viewer response, and art in culture. Emphasis will be on two-dimensional design problems, including problems in black and white and basic color theory. A range of fine art, decorative arts, and commercial design from diverse cultures is presented in a non-chronological format through illustrated lectures, discussions, and independent research. Techniques of visual and thematic analysis are applied to mix-media projects, inspired by artworks from world cultural history and contemporary life.
Mindful Movement, Mindful Writing (Sherry Rankins-Robertson and Brit Gibson)
This course explores writing through our senses that brings awareness to the present moment. The aim of this course is to introduce and offer activities and practices of writing as a toolkit for well-being and community care.
THE 3082 – The Theatre Business and Industry (Kristina Tollefson)
Students will gain an understanding of the various stakeholders in the theater ecosystem, including producers, directors, designers, technicians, etc. Key topics will span the financial and managerial structures to legal and ethical issues.
Orlando Work Release Center
SLS 1122 New Student Experience (Iradly Roche and Heather Vazquez)
The New Student Experience is designed to assist students in formulating their purpose in life. Through self-discovery, students investigate how their interests, strengths, and personal values align with their educational and career goals. Emphasis is on orientation to academic and professional skills needed to develop an individualized transition plan. Students also learn and integrate practical applications to communicate across diverse populations.
Polk C. I.
3D Design Fundamentals in Visual Arts (James Wysolmierski)
This course seeks to expand an understanding of design theory as it relates to the two and three-dimensional world. Working primarily in paper and oil-based clay, students will explore concepts to familiarize themselves with the process of creating two and three-dimensional projects while emphasizing design principles and elements. The main objective of this course is the development of critical thinking skills as they apply to visual aesthetic issues.
Individual Income Taxes II (Elio Alfonso)
This course will provide a solid foundation on the subject of taxes and the preparation of an accurate and complete income tax return.
BSC 1005 – Introduction to Biology (Emily Bradshaw)
Introduction to life on Earth and the life of a cell including energy and energy flow, reproduction (asexual and sexual), development (including mitosis and meiosis), inheritance (DNA and gene expression), biotechnology, patterns of inheritance, ecology, and evolution.
THE 3082 – The Theatre Business and Industry (Kristina Tollefson)
Students will gain an understanding of the various stakeholders in the theater ecosystem, including producers, directors, designers, technicians, etc. Key topics will span the financial and managerial structures to legal and ethical issues.
Spring 2024
CFRC – East Unit
RTV 3301 Electronic Journalism I (Richard Brunson, Christie St Vil, and Sophia Diaz)
Electronic Journalism I will cover radio and podcast reporting on current events, issues, and topics as selected by students in the class, as well as researching topics, preparing interview questions, writing for the ear, grammar, punctuation, attribution, scriptwriting, crafting story arcs, show producing, and voicing. Students in the course will work together and with faculty to plan, write, and produce a final podcast in a radio show format for an outside audience by the end of the semester.
REL 2000 Introduction to Religion in America (Victoria Machado)
This course has been designed as an introduction to the diversity of religious belief and practice within the United States. Students will investigate the academic study of religion, a survey of the current U.S. religious landscape, characteristics of major religious traditions, and the manifestations of religion in American society.
PHI 2010 Introduction to Philosophy (Mason Cash)
This course aims to develop these philosophical skills through critically reading, analyzing, discussing, and writing about classic and contemporary philosophical issues, questions and debates.
Lake C.I.
LIT 2090 Contemporary Literature (Kathleen Hohenleitner, Christian Beck, and Heather Vazquez)
This course will explore trends and influences in literature from World War II to the present. Contemporary literature will be examined as a reflection of the philosophy of modern life and as a reflection of the student's world.
Polk C. I.
Managerial Accounting I (Elio Alfonso)
Accounting for business information requirements with cost accounting concepts and relationships, cost-volume-profit analysis, variance analysis, budgeting, pricing decisions, capital expenditure decisions, and management accounting analysis for decision-making
Individual Income Taxes I (Elio Alfonso)
This course will provide a solid foundation on the subject of taxes and the preparation of an accurate and complete income tax return.
Fall 2023
ESOL 2000: English for Speakers of Other Languages (Kerry Purmensky, Anne Prucha, Courtney Jorgensen, and Lisa Franchina - CFRC)
English for speakers of other languages course to build literacy skills
ACG 2022 Financial Accounting II (Elio Alfonso -Polk CI)
Course intended to develop an understanding of the environment, role, and principles of financial accounting, primarily from the standpoint of the user of financial information
LIT 2120: World Literature II (Kathleen Hohenleitner and Heather Vazquez - Lake CI)
Designed to encourage students to know and appreciate the great literature that helps to mold their thinking and everyday living. Includes, without regard to national origin, those works of world literature, from the early modern period to the present, that reflect cultural and intellectual heritage.
EVR 3008 - Foundations of Environmental Studies (Victoria Machado - CFRC)
This course examines the scientific foundations needed for understanding the earth’s environmental systems and human impacts on the environment. Topics include basic ecology, human population growth and world food supply, land and water resources, energy resources, water and air pollution, biodiversity conservation, global climate change, and sustainability.
SYD4510: Environment and Society (Richard Plate - Polk CI)
This course examines the larger social forces that shape our natural environment; the social foundations of environmental problems; and the social responses to environmental issues, conflicts, and movements.
TPA 2200: Introduction to Technical Theatre (Kristina Tollefson - CFRC)
Course offers an introduction to the technical issues informing theatre performances
Summer 2023
RTV 3301: Electronic Journalism I (Erica Rodriguez Kight and Rick Brunson - CFRC)
How to write for and create podcasts
ACG 2021 Financial Accounting (Elio Alfonso - Polk CI)
Introductory course intended to develop an understanding of the environment, role, and basic principles of financial accounting, primarily from the standpoint of the user of financial information
POS 2041 American National Government (Annabelle Conroy - CFRC)
A study of the dynamics of the US national government
CRW 3120 Fiction Writing Workshop (Heather Vazquez - CFRC)
Study of fundamentals of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry
ARH 3610 Survey of American Art (Keri Watson - Polk CI)
An inclusive introduction to American visual culture from early history to the present, relating art and artists to diverse social, political, and cultural contexts
Spring 2023
ART 1000 Finding your Artistic Voice (Jason Fronczek - CFRC)
An introspective study of the formal and conceptual elements of visual art.
REL 2300 Introduction to Religion in America (Victoria Machado - CFRC)
The major features of world religious traditions are studied as the means for obtaining an insight into the nature and expression of people's religious aspirations.
AML 1000 The Power of Poetry (Laurie Uttich - CFRC)
An introduction to reading and writing poetry.
LIT 3192 Caribbean Literature (Heather Vazquez - Lake CI)
A study of the literature of the Caribbean and the diaspora
THE 3311 Theatre History (Wendy Lamoreaux - Polk CI)
A survey of theatre as art, as entertainment, and as a cultural identifier.
Fall 2022
ART 2000 Advancing Art (Jason Burrell and Jason Fronczek)
A study of the fundamentals of visual art.
ART 1001 Elements and Principles of Two-Dimensional Design (Jason Fronczek)
An introduction to the principles of design and materials that can be used to create 2D art.
CRW 2000 Creative Writing Form and Theory (Laurie Uttich and Heather Vazquez)
Study of fundamentals of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry.
THE 3311 Theatre History (Wendy Lamoreaux)
A survey of theatre as art, as entertainment, and as a cultural identifier.
Summer 2022
ART 1000 Fundamentals of Art (Jason Burrell)
A study of the fundamentals of visual art.
ART 1001 Elements and Principles of Two-Dimensional Design (Jason Fronczek)
An introduction to the principles of design and materials that can be used to create 2D art.
ENC 1102 English Composition 2 (Nicholas DeArmas)
Analytical and argumentative writing based on a variety of readings from the humanities.
Spring 2022
ART 1001 Elements and Principles of Two-Dimensional Design (Jason Fronczek)
An introduction to the principles of design and materials that can be used to create 2D art.
ENC 1101 English Composition 1 (Heather Vazquez)
Expository writing with an emphasis on effective communication and critical thinking.
Fall 2021
ART 1000 Fundamentals of Art (Jason Fronczek)
A study of the fundamentals of visual art.
CRW 2000 Creative Writing Form and Theory (Laurie Uttich)
Study of fundamentals of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry.
Summer 2021
ENC 1102 English Composition 2 (Nicholas DeArmas)
Analytical and argumentative writing based on a variety of readings from the humanities.
THE 2000 Theatre Survey (Holly McDonald)
A survey of theatre as art, as entertainment, and as a cultural identifier.
POS 2041 American National Government 2 (Annabelle Conroy)
A study of the dynamics of American national government.
POS 1000 U.S. Founding Documents (Terri Susan Fine)
A study of the US Founding Documents including the Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
ART 1000 Fundamentals of Art (Jason Fronczek)
A study of the fundamentals of visual art.
CRW 2000 Creative Writing Form and Theory (Laurie Uttich)
A study of fundamentals of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry.
Spring 2021
ENC 1101 English Composition 1 (Heather Vazquez)
Expository writing with an emphasis on effective communication and critical thinking.
ENC 1102 English Composition 2 (Nicholas DeArmas)
Aanalytical and argumentative writing based on a variety of readings from the humanities.
THE 2000 Theatre Survey (Holly McDonald)
A survey of theatre as art, as entertainment, and as cultural identifier.
POS 2041 American National Government 2 (Annabelle Conroy)
A study of the dynamics of American national government.
PHY 2053 College Physics (Michael Chini)
Study of critical and quantitative analysis and thinking, using physics as a model.
ENC 3250 Professional Writing (Steffen Guenzel)
Study of and practice with professional writing.
Fall 2020
POS 1000 U.S. Founding Documents (Terri Susan Fine)
A study of the US Founding Documents including the Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
ENC 1101 English Composition 1 (Heather Vazquez)
Expository writing with an emphasis on effective communication and critical thinking.
CRW 2000 Creative Writing Form and Theory (Laurie Uttich)
A study of fundamentals of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry.
ENC 3250 Professional Writing (Steffen Guenzel)
Study of and practice with professional writing.
Summer 2020
ARH 2500 History of NonWestern Art (Keri Watson)
A survey of art and architecture of the nonwestern world, including Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the art of Indigenous Americans.
NEA Big Read book study of Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried (Keri Watson)
Spring 2020
CRW 2000 Creative Writing Form and Theory (Laurie Uttich)
A study of fundamentals of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry.
ENC 1101 English Composition 1 (Heather Vazquez)
Expository writing with an emphasis on effective communication and critical thinking. Emphasizing the writing process writing topics are based on selected readings and on student experiences.
ART 1000 Fundamentals of Art (Jason Fronczek)
A study of the fundamentals of visual art.
Fall 2019
ART 1000 Fundamentals of Art (Jason Fronczek)
A study of the fundamentals of visual art.
CRW 2000 Creative Writing Form and Theory (Laurie Uttich)
A study of fundamentals of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry.
PHY 2053 College Physics (Mihai Vaida, Nicholas Cox, Dave Austin, Michael Chini, Stephanie Jarmak, Ahlam Al-Rawi, William Kaden, and Justin Reyes)
Study of critical and quantitative analysis and thinking, using physics as a model.
Summer 2019
Sharon Woodill taught Love and Faith, Family and Friendship, a philosophy class, to a class of 15 men. Read about her experience on her blog.
Nicholas DeArmas taught Introduction to Literature, an English class, to a class of 10 men.
Spring 2019
Creative Writing (Terry Ann Thaxton and Laurie Uttich)
A creative writing course inspired by Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven (part of the NEA Big Read)
Arts and Wellness (Keri Watson and Julia Listengarten)
A visual and performing arts class inspired by Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven (part of the NEA Big Read)
Fall 2018
POS 2041 American National Government 2 (Annabelle Conroy)
A study of the dynamics of American national government.
Melissa Ringfield led a series of discussions and facilitated a mock trial inspired by Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo (1845) to 9 men.
Summer 2018
Keri Watson led a series of discussions on Dinaw Mengestu's The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears (2007) to a class of 16 men as part of the NEA Big Read.
Melissa Ringfield and Laura Monroe led a series of discussions on Dinaw Mengestu's The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears (2007) to a class of 16 men as part of the NEA Big Read.
Curriculum
FPEP’s curriculum is based on the UCF General Education Program and the guidelines and recommendations outlined in the U.S. Department of Education’s Reentry Education Model (2012) and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Prison’s Education Program Assessment Report (2016).
It is an evidence-based and accredited curriculum that integrates a broad-based liberal arts education, the development of cognitive skills, and practical real-world skills into each course.
Are you a returning citizen interested in continuing your education? Click here for assistance. Are you interested in pursuing a degree? Contact DirectConnect to UCF® for assistance.