Since the beginning of the IOU Distance Learning Prison Initiative, we have witnessed continued expansion of the program to reach more than half of the nation (27 states) and the common-wealth of Puerto Rico.  After starting with 500 inmates in 2014, the program has increased its’ enrollment to more than 1800 inmates enrolled in Level 1 and Level 2 of the Diploma Program.  The Initiative is currently operating in more than 100 federal and state facilities nation-wide.  Each month, the program welcomes between 50 – 100 new inmate enrollees into the Initiative, Alhamdulillah.

To date, we have 8 inmates who have completed Level 1 courses and are now nearing completion of Level 2 courses.  Production is underway for the Level 3 materials, to be made available soon, inshaa-Allah. More than 300 certificates of course completion have been earned and distributed to the inmates or family members.

The operational cost of the Prison Initiative is 75.00-100.00 per inmate, which is provided by the Grace of Allah, through the generous donations of world-wide donors. This cost covers the following materials:

  1. Textbooks
  2. quiz and exam papers, grading and follow-up (retakes where necessary)
  3. cds and dvds (made available to the Institutional Chaplains)
  4. correspondence (mail, phone calls)
  5. certificates
  6. Institutional visits where possible

Currently we have 20 institutional chaplains (Muslim and non-Muslim) nationwide, who are assisting in the implementation of the program.  Ongoing efforts are underway to link the correctional facilities with the nearest community masaajid.  Efforts are also underway to develop a video featuring Muslim ex-offenders to serve as a promotional tool encouraging on-going support for the Prison Initiative.

During our nation-wide masaajid visitations for IOU Promotions, we also share the Prison Initiative with the Imams, and community members.  We have generated a great deal of interest, moral, and volunteer support to help strengthen the Initiative in the local communities.

Our office continues to receive numerous letters from inmates expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the program, offering their du’aa and encouragement for it’s continuation and expansion.  Several inmates who have been released since their enrollment have expressed their desire to help the program in whatever way they can.