About NDEP
Study on the Inside to make it on the Outside
NEW DIRECTIONS EDUCATION PROJECT (NDEP)
PO Box 393
Pendleton, OR 97801
email: ndep.eoci@gmail.com
HISTORY
College classes were available to inmates all over the country prior to 1994. When the 1994 Crime Bill discontinued the offering of Pell Grants to those incarcerated, many states picked up other options in order to continue college programs. However, that same year Oregon voters passed Ballot Measure 17 which the Oregon Department of Corrections interpreted to mean that no state funds could be used for any classes above the GED level. Since that time, no state or federal funds have been available for college classes for inmates in Oregon correctional institutions. The New Directions Education Project was formed in 1999 by a group of individuals who felt that inmates should have more than a GED/High School Diploma to start their lives upon release from prison. Donations were sought from churches, civic groups, individuals, and foundations to enable Blue Mountain Community College instructors to teach college transfer classes at EOCI. Classes began Spring Quarter 2000. Donated money paid for supplies, books, and tuition except for a $30.00 tuition fee expected from each inmate student.
STUDENT STATISTICS
Since its inception, NDEP has provided 65 classes with an average of 15 students per class. NDEP classes count toward an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree (AAOT) which means that any Oregon University System (OUS) Institution will accept the credits.
DONORS/FUNDRAISING
Individual donors fund a large share of the NDEP program including BMCC staff members who contribute though payroll deduction. Grants have come from Altrusa International of Pendleton, Wal-Mart, Red and Gena Leonard Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, US Bankcorp Foundation, Roberts Motor Co., Wildhorse Foundation, and the Larson Legacy.
Fundraisers have included vocal musical presentations, an organ concert, a garage sale, an antique car show, and a yearly newsletter with donor envelopes. NDEP has a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS and is administered by a board of community volunteers.
