New Directions Education Project
New Directions Education Project
Our Vision
We believe that everyone deserves access to education, regardless of their circumstances. That's why we offer college classes for men who are incarcerated, providing them with the opportunity to learn and grow. By investing in education, we hope to empower individuals and create a brighter future for all.
Our Story
New Direction Education Project was established to provide educational opportunities to adults who were incarcerated after 1993 and were no longer eligible for Pell grants. With a board of directors overseeing operations, NDEP has offered over 89 college-level classes, with more than 1,185 participating and 10 AAOT graduates. Currently, the program serves 20 students and is being strengthened by Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC) from Ontario, Oregon, at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI).
New delivery of classes
We are excited to announce a new delivery of college classes tailored to our incarcerated students. By combining experienced professors with the safety and convenience of virtual learning, we are committed to providing quality education that meets the unique needs of our students. This innovative approach ensures that everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment. Support us as we empower our students through continued education!
About Us
New Directions Education Project is a dedicated non-profit organization that assists incarcerated adults in pursuing college education. Our mission is to provide opportunities for personal and academic growth, enhancing the lives of individuals through educational support. Explore our website to learn more about our impactful work.
Check out this link!
Mr. Martin Locket is an enthusiastic NDEP alumnus:
“When I arrived at EOCI at the age of 25 with a GED and a seventeen-year sentence, I didn’t know where to begin. I knew I wanted to better myself and make use of my time but didn’t know what opportunities would be available to do so. Then I heard about the New Directions Education Project (NDEP).I’d never had great academic success and frankly felt intimidated at the prospect of taking a college course, but after meeting with the instructors and volunteers and being assured I would have the support needed to successfully complete classes, I felt comfortable with giving it a chance. With each class I took and passed, my confidence increased, and I began to believe I could earn a degree.I would stay with NDEP for the next three years, eventually transferring those credits to Colorado State University-Pueblo where I had begun taking correspondence courses to accelerate my goal. In 2013, I earned a BS in sociology (Magna Cum Laude) and would go on to acquire an MS in psychology (Summa Cum Laude) in 2016. I was released from custody in 2021, and after working as a remote substance abuse counselor for two years, I was promoted to director at the mental health organization I’ve now been with nearly four years. Having a master’s degree was a requirement for this position. I am forever indebted to the NDEP for the foundation it provided me to reach the success I never knew I could have. I’ll forever credit the instructors for nurturing my academic growth and believing in me before I believed in myself. In short, this program changed my life and many others’ in immeasurable ways.”
Our AICs Say
The program that has helped me the most was while I was incarcerated was the
New Directions Education Project
it allowed me to get a higher education while in prison.
Zoe Pike a soon to release participant
Read Our Blogs
Geology lab class
NDEP DONORS AND SUPPORTERS 2019 - 2025
Financial Support 2019 - 2025 Business/Civic/Foundations/Grants/Sponsorships
Altrusa International of Pendleton, Seattle Foundation
Neitling Charitable Trust, The Larson Legacy
Pendleton Rotary Foundation, Red and Gena Leonard Foundation
Wildhorse Foundation, O’Donnell Law Firm LLC
Generous unnamed donor
NDEP Individual Donors
Jan & Doug Acker
Don & Karen Allen
Mardel James-Bose
Carolyn Call Sylvia Clawson
Steve & Beth Condon
Kittee Custer
Clyde & Bonnie Douglas
Larry & Frederica Frager
Margaret Gianotti
Shirley & Bill Griffith, Jr.
Mark & Gale Gronso
Don & Carole Guenther
Keith & Mary Harris
William & Barbara Harris
Dr. Don & Nancy Harsch
Clark Hilden
Ruth Hall
Patricia Harcourt
Sandy Holtz
Marjorie Iburg
Harriet Isom Jeannine James
Phyllis Jerome
Tammy Krawczyk
Karen Lange
Jerry & Bert Lewis
Loree McKenna
Dr. George & Sue Nelson
T.K. & Joyce Olson
Stan & Marjorie Prowant
Ellen Pullen
Cody & Angela Pursel
Brilynn Reed
Charles & Katherine Riley
Jim & Julianne Sawyer
Shannon Schuette
Jack & Jan Scripps
Bruce & Evelyn Stewart
Carrie Swanson
Patricia Tempinski
Paula Turner
Walter Whitehead
Dale & Judy Wilkins
Jeanine Youncs
Special Thanks to Eddie Alves!
A special thanks goes to Eddie Alves, who formerly was the Correctional Education Director at EOCI for Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC). With Eddie's help, NDEP was able to successfully relaunch college classes at EOCI in January 2024. The first semester, we offered one class, and then we expanded to two classes in the spring. In an unprecedented summer term, 20 students earned an additional 66 credits, and we were thrilled to have them continuing into the fall quarter, with 14 students enrolled in a Geology Lab course. Overall, we were able to concluded the 2023-24 school year by serving 25 individual students who earned college credits. Notably, we also enrolled students in two online courses —BA 213: Principles of Managerial and MUS 105: Music Appreciation—marking a significant milestone that will pave the way for more classes in the future.
Patty Rasmussen
Teaching for New Directions has been one of the highlights of my career. The students are dedicated, motivated, and invested not only in their education but in bettering themselves and equipping themselves with skills that extend far beyond the classroom. New Directions provides critical funding for these students, who wouldn’t be able to afford a college education on their own. Even if these students don’t have time to finish a degree, they still grow mentally and emotionally as they seek to see the world from new, academic eyes. My students and I are truly grateful for this program and the difference it makes in their lives as well as in my own.
Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Instructor Jody Harnden
Teaching in the unique setting of a correctional facility has long been a part of my career. My students often have not had a science class in years, even decades. I love that my job includes helping them to see a subject that may not have interested their younger selves as one that has, and will, be an enjoyable challenge. Students often seek connections to the content and their own lives, which thrills me. In my classroom we enjoy combining the varied experiences students bring to the subject of geology, and I often learn from them! I am grateful for the opportunity to support my students as they move forward in their education and lives in a positive way.
A BIG THANK YOU
We are thrilled to have been awarded a generous grant from the Wildhorse Foundation! Board member Shannon Schuette initiated the grant request, and we are so glad that she did. We received the good news of the grant award in late August, and in September Ella Meyers, Wildhorse Foundation Administrator, presented Board members Shannon Schuette, Beth Condon, and Stan Prowant with a giant check to rival the size of the grant. This grant was specific to our 24-strong summer class, but the Wildhorse Foundation allowed us to apply leftover funds to our fall class when four summer students left or were transferred away from the class. We are deeply grateful to the Wildhorse Foundation for their financial support and the support of our cause. Our sincere thanks to everyone at the Foundation.
Meet one of our Alumni
My name is Ryan Huebner and I have been incarcerated for the past 21 years. I like so many others, I did not have a high school diploma nor GED when I entered prison. In 2004 I enrolled in EOCI's education program and in 2005 I earned my GED. While earning my GED I heard about the New Directions Education Project, and I thought to myself that I always wanted to enroll in college, but I wasn't exactly "college material." Little did I know back then what was in store for me.
Upon earning my GED my family encouraged me to apply to New Directions Education Project and I was accepted. I remember my first college class, writing 115 and I managed to earn a decent grade (B). That encouraged me to want to continue taking classes, so I ended up taking all the courses they offered.
Because of the start with New Directions, I continued to build my confidence and earned my AAOT with their funding. Ultimately, I earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2017, and a master's degree in psychology in 2020 in my educational journey.
If it were not for New Direction Education Project and the concerned individuals who are dedicated to this program, I would not be writing this today as a college graduate. I thank New Directions Education project for believing in me. It made a life changing difference.
