Figure 1: The PLEIADES Project (Farley & Doyle, 2014)
The PLEIADES program was developed by the University of Southern Maine in partnership with the Maine Department of Corrections and other organizations. The program uses portable laptops equipped with software and other tools necessary for distance learning, such as access to online course materials, video conferencing capabilities, and e-books. The laptops are used in secure facilities such as prisons and jails to provide incarcerated students with access to education and training opportunities that they might not otherwise have. The PLEIADES program offers a variety of courses and programs in areas such as liberal arts, business, and social work. The program has been recognized for its success in increasing educational opportunities and reducing recidivism rates among incarcerated adults. The program has also been recognized for its innovative use of technology to deliver education in a non-traditional setting.
The PLEIADES program is an example of how technology can be used to provide educational opportunities to marginalized populations. It is designed to help incarcerated adults improve their skills and knowledge, which can lead to better job prospects and reduced recidivism rates. By providing incarcerated individuals with access to higher education, the PLEIADES program aims to break the cycle of poverty and incarceration and promote positive social and economic outcomes.