Student Organization Donates Books to Correctional Facility

Members of Pennsylvania College of Technology's Collegiate Association for County Correctional Education recently completed a library refurbishing project at the Clinton County Correctional Facility.

The students donated 15 boxes of textbooks, with an estimated value of more than $2,000, and a bookshelf to the prison's library. The books were donated by faculty, staff and students at Penn College. The subjects varied from the liberal arts and sciences to applied technology. Some of the books will also be used by the GED instructors at the facility.

While at the facility, the CACCE members and their adviser met with Jacqueline K. Motter, deputy warden, and Michelle Bates, GED program instructor and tutor coordinator. Motter explained to the students the operations and functions of the facility. She also explained issues such as prison overcrowding and the political factors surrounding incarceration.

The students were then given a tour of the facility. They toured the prison's library, cell blocks, recreation yards, kitchen and intake area.

"I was thrilled with the level of excitement and encouragement we saw from Deputy Warden Motter and the rest of the staff at the CCCF," said Joshua Bengel, CACCE vice president. "Having staff members in place with a positive attitude toward rehabilitating people is an extremely important piece in helping us reach our goals."

"I thank the association for the generous gift of books and the bookshelf," Motter said. "There is a definite need among the inmates to become better educated. We have quite a diverse population, so diversity in donations is appreciated."

The Penn College CACCE is the first student organization in the nation with a mission of enhancing educational opportunities for those incarcerated in county facilities. In addition to Clinton County, the organization has previously donated educational materials to the libraries of Tioga County Prison and Lycoming County Prison.

The organization has been featured twice in American Jails magazine, has garnered support from corrections officials and administrators, and received the 2007-08 award for outstanding service from the Penn College Student Government Association.

The CACCE is seeking additional members and donations of educational materials. For more information about the CACCE or how to become involved, contact Brandon J. Close , CACCE president, or Jeremiah C. Gee , CACCE adviser.

For more information about Penn College, visit online , e-mail or call toll-free 800-367-9222.