LINCOLN — More than 220 Nebraska prison inmates are taking community college courses this spring through a new “Prison Education Program.”

Courses such as “Introduction to Psychology,” “Public Speaking,” “Microsoft Applications” and “Composition I, Writing Workshop” are being taught in a collaboration between Southeast Community College and the Nebraska Department of Corrections.

The goal is to better prepare inmates for a return to society and cut down return trips to prison.

“Incarcerated individuals who participate in correctional education programs are 43% less likely to return to prison within three years,” said State Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys in a press release.

Repeat crimes, he said, become even less likely as inmates achieve higher levels of education.

Jeffreys said the new program gives inmates “the tools — and hope — to envision and work towards a future.”

In July, federal Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals was reinstated, which helps inmates pay for the courses. SCC also begun offering courses using alternative funding while the college awaited approval as a Pell Grant-funded program.

SCC currently offers inmates an associate of arts degree in academic transfer. Beginning in the fall,  the college will expand its offerings to include career and technical education programs.

The courses are being taught at prisons in Lincoln and York, and at Lincoln’s Center for People.

Laptops used in the courses are provided by SCC. They are screened to meet security standards.