CSN’s Prison Education Program offers incarcerated students a transformative opportunity to pursue higher education. As part of CSN’s commitment to social justice and educational equity, students can enroll in college courses, earn certificates and degrees, all while accessing academic and career counseling. The program features a supportive learning community among students, faculty, and staff focused on student development and reducing recidivism.
About Us
CSN Prison Education provides southern Nevada’s incarcerated students with college access to enhance their knowledge and skills in critical-thinking, problem-solving, and work-readiness.
What We Do
- Provide educational opportunities to increase employability for incarcerated students
- Assist in transitioning from incarceration into higher education
- Provide college readiness and general education courses towards earning an Associate of Business or an Associate of Arts degree
- Career and technical education training in high demand career fields including Tourism, Convention, and Event Planning, the Culinary Arts, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, Welding, and Construction Estimating
- Provide academic and career advising
- Connect students to community re-entry programs
CSN Prison Education Goals
- Reduce recidivism and improve quality of life for the individual, their families, and the wider community
How to Get Involved
The CSN Prison Education Program is open to housing units designated by each facility. Prospective students must contact their caseworker for more information on how to register for college classes through CSN’s Prison Education Program. Students must apply and register themselves directly through CSN. Students cannot enroll by phone or by proxy.
On September 22, 2026, the Prison Education Program hosted its Second Annual Fall Discussion, “Recovery, Accountability, and the Role of Education in Creating Change.” The panel brought together NDOC Warden Gabriela Najera, Math Instructor Dr. Leilani Shive, former Prison Education Program student Dr. Noel Vest, Prison Program Coordinator Leanne Halter, and Prison Education Manager Dr. Genevieve Minter to examine the intersection of crime, addiction, accountability, and education during and after incarceration. The discussion took an unexpected turn when former HVAC student Jasmine Cumbow made a surprise appearance just weeks after her release. Before her departure, Jasmine’s instructors surprised her with essential HVAC tools to help launch her new career as an HVAC technician. Panelists spoke candidly about the challenges and victories of prison education, the role education played in building a foundation for students who went on to earn Ph.D.s, and the moments when students begin turning education into new possibilities. Together, the panel highlighted the shared role of educators, correctional partners, program staff, and students in creating meaningful change—both inside the classroom and beyond the prison walls.
View the article here: https://news.csn.edu/prison-ed-panel/
View the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDZqzbRhgys
During the week of May 18th, the CSN Prison Education Program hosted two completion ceremonies. On May 19th, we celebrated eight students who earned the Construction Estimating Skills Certificate at Three Lakes Valley Conservation Camp, and on May 22nd, we celebrated eight students who earned the HVAC Skills Certificate and our programs very first Associate of Arts Degree graduate at Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center. Read more about it in this CSN news article: https://news.csn.edu/prison-education-program-celebrates-graduates-across-two-ceremonies/
During the week of December 15th, the CSN Prison Education Program hosted two completion ceremonies in one semester, a record for our students! On December 16th, we celebrated seven students who earned the Welding Skills Certificate at High Desert State Prison, and on December 18th, we celebrated six students who earned the Culinary Arts Skills Certificate at Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center. Read more about it in this CSN news article: https://news.csn.edu/csn-celebrates-culinary-and-welding-graduates-in-milestone-prison-ed-ceremonies/
On November 7, 2025, the Prison Education Program hosted its first in person Mixer and Panel Discussion with NDOC Warden William Reubart, Criminal Justice Instructor Christina Aberle, English Instructor Dr. Askia Talib-deen, HVAC instructor Spencer Dunwoody, and Prison Education Manager Dr. Genevieve Minter. This Q&A-style panel pulled back the curtain on what it’s really like to teach college courses inside correctional facilities, and panelists talked openly about the challenges, wins, and the moments when a student’s breakthrough makes the entire job worth it.
View the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9KIDUtnkzs
The CSN Prison Education Program has been featured by local, regional, and national media and higher education organizations for its work providing college education and career pathways to students who are incarcerated.
2026
College of Southern Nevada, Prison Education Program Celebrates Graduates Across Two Ceremonies
College of Southern Nevada · June 5, 2026
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/prison-education-program-celebrates-graduates-across-two-ceremonies/
What’s Cool at School? – Education behind bars has inmates and their supporters excited
KLAS Channel 8 Las Vegas · June 19, 2026
Watch the story: https://www.8newsnow.com/community/cool-at-school-segment/whats-cool-at-school-education-behind-bars-has-inmates-and-their-supporters-excited/
‘I can walk out a person’: Inside the college program giving Nevada inmates a second chance
Las Vegas Sun · July 27, 2026
Read the article: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2026/jul/27/i-can-walk-out-a-person-inside-the-college-program/
College of Southern Nevada, Prison Ed Panel
College of Southern Nevada · September 28, 2026
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/prison-ed-panel/
2025
CSN Prison Education Program Celebrates Grads
College of Southern Nevada · April 21, 2025
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/csn-culinary-students-graduate-from-nv-department-of-corrections/
College of Southern Nevada, NDOC Celebrate Inmates’ Academic Achievements
KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas · May 16, 2025
Read the article: https://www.ktnv.com/news/college-of-southern-nevada-ndoc-celebrate-inmates-academic-achievements#google_vignette
The Power of a Reset: Grads Chart a New Path at Florence McClure
College of Southern Nevada · May 17, 2025
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/the-power-of-a-reset-grads-chart-a-new-path-at-florence-mcclure/
What’s Cool at School? – A Graduation Ceremony for Women Turning Their Lives Around
KLAS Channel 8 Las Vegas · June 6, 2025
Watch the story: https://www.8newsnow.com/community/cool-at-school-segment/whats-cool-at-school-a-graduation-ceremony-for-women-turning-their-lives-around
What’s Cool at School? – Meet Some of the Prison Inmates Who Graduated from CSN While Still Incarcerated
KLAS Channel 8 Las Vegas · July 4, 2025
Watch the story: https://www.8newsnow.com/community/cool-at-school-segment/whats-cool-at-school-meet-some-of-the-prison-inmates-who-graduated-from-csn-while-still-incarcerated/
Real Talk on Prison Education at CSN
College of Southern Nevada · November 17, 2025
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/real-talk-on-prison-education-at-csn/
Culinary and Welding Milestone Prison Ed Ceremonies
College of Southern Nevada · December 18, 2025
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/csn-celebrates-culinary-and-welding-graduates-in-milestone-prison-ed-ceremonies/
2024
“Doing Guy Stuff”: Inmates at Nevada Women’s Prison Embrace Job-Training Program
Las Vegas Review-Journal · September 21, 2024
Read the article: https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-nevada/doing-guy-stuff-inmates-at-nevada-womens-prison-embrace-job-training-program-3174272/
Prison Educators Share Their Experiences at UNLV’s Summit on Nevada Education
KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas · November 17, 2024
Read the article: https://www.ktnv.com/news/prison-educators-share-their-experiences-at-unlvs-summit-on-nevada-education
Inmates Take a Second Chance on Themselves Through Education Programs
KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas · December 9, 2024
Read the article: https://www.ktnv.com/news/inmates-take-a-second-chance-on-themselves-through-education-programs#google_vignette
Inmates at Nevada’s Women’s Prison Walk Stage in “Winter Wonderland” Graduation Ceremony
Las Vegas Review-Journal · December 11, 2024
Read the article: https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/inmates-at-nevadas-womens-prison-walk-stage-in-winter-wonderland-graduation-ceremony-3224913/
2022
Advocating for Higher Education in Prison
University of Nevada, Reno · May 3, 2022
Read the article: https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/blogs/2022/advocating-for-higher-ed-in-prison
2020
To Be Free Again
Coyote Student News, College of Southern Nevada · March 19, 2020
Read the article: https://coyotestudentnews.com/2020/03/19/to-be-free-again/
2019
CSN, NSHE Celebrate Completers of Prison Education Program
Nevada System of Higher Education · July 18, 2019
Read the article: https://nshe.nevada.edu/system-administration/news/2019/07/csn-nshe-celebrate-completers-of-prison-education-program/
A Second Chance: Prisoners Thrive in Program Designed to Open Up Job Opportunities
The Nevada Independent · June 30, 2019
Read the article: https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/a-second-chance-prisoners-thrive-in-program-designed-to-help-job-opportunities
Hope for Prisoners Touts “Game Changer” for State, Offenders
Nevada Current · February 19, 2019
Read the article: https://nevadacurrent.com/2019/02/19/hope-for-prisoners-touts-game-changer-for-state-offenders/
2018
Las Vegas Women’s Jail Program Celebrates 1st Graduating Class
Las Vegas Review-Journal · June 14, 2018
Read the article: https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/las-vegas-womens-jail-program-celebrates-1st-graduating-class/
Second Chances: Prison Program Connects Inmates to Education
Nevada Current · June 14, 2018
Read the article: https://nevadacurrent.com/2018/06/14/second-chances-prison-program-connects-inmates-to-education/
2017
Books Behind Bars
Coyote Student News, College of Southern Nevada · April 6, 2017
Read the article: https://coyotestudentnews.com/2017/04/05/books-behind-bars/
The Nevada Prison Education Project
Steamatic of Southern Nevada
Anonymous
Bret and Cynthia S.
Sponsored Investments Inc.
Explore Scientific
On September 22, 2026, the Prison Education Program hosted its Second Annual Fall Discussion, “Recovery, Accountability, and the Role of Education in Creating Change.” The panel brought together NDOC Warden Gabriela Najera, Math Instructor Dr. Leilani Shive, former Prison Education Program student Dr. Noel Vest, Prison Program Coordinator Leanne Halter, and Prison Education Manager Dr. Genevieve Minter to examine the intersection of crime, addiction, accountability, and education during and after incarceration. The discussion took an unexpected turn when former HVAC student Jasmine Cumbow made a surprise appearance just weeks after her release. Before her departure, Jasmine’s instructors surprised her with essential HVAC tools to help launch her new career as an HVAC technician. Panelists spoke candidly about the challenges and victories of prison education, the role education played in building a foundation for students who went on to earn Ph.D.s, and the moments when students begin turning education into new possibilities. Together, the panel highlighted the shared role of educators, correctional partners, program staff, and students in creating meaningful change—both inside the classroom and beyond the prison walls.
View the article here: https://news.csn.edu/prison-ed-panel/
View the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDZqzbRhgys
During the week of May 18th, the CSN Prison Education Program hosted two completion ceremonies. On May 19th, we celebrated eight students who earned the Construction Estimating Skills Certificate at Three Lakes Valley Conservation Camp, and on May 22nd, we celebrated eight students who earned the HVAC Skills Certificate and our programs very first Associate of Arts Degree graduate at Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center. Read more about it in this CSN news article: https://news.csn.edu/prison-education-program-celebrates-graduates-across-two-ceremonies/
During the week of December 15th, the CSN Prison Education Program hosted two completion ceremonies in one semester, a record for our students! On December 16th, we celebrated seven students who earned the Welding Skills Certificate at High Desert State Prison, and on December 18th, we celebrated six students who earned the Culinary Arts Skills Certificate at Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center. Read more about it in this CSN news article: https://news.csn.edu/csn-celebrates-culinary-and-welding-graduates-in-milestone-prison-ed-ceremonies/
On November 7, 2025, the Prison Education Program hosted its first in person Mixer and Panel Discussion with NDOC Warden William Reubart, Criminal Justice Instructor Christina Aberle, English Instructor Dr. Askia Talib-deen, HVAC instructor Spencer Dunwoody, and Prison Education Manager Dr. Genevieve Minter. This Q&A-style panel pulled back the curtain on what it’s really like to teach college courses inside correctional facilities, and panelists talked openly about the challenges, wins, and the moments when a student’s breakthrough makes the entire job worth it.
View the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9KIDUtnkzs
The CSN Prison Education Program has been featured by local, regional, and national media and higher education organizations for its work providing college education and career pathways to students who are incarcerated.
2026
College of Southern Nevada, Prison Education Program Celebrates Graduates Across Two Ceremonies
College of Southern Nevada · June 5, 2026
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/prison-education-program-celebrates-graduates-across-two-ceremonies/
What’s Cool at School? – Education behind bars has inmates and their supporters excited
KLAS Channel 8 Las Vegas · June 19, 2026
Watch the story: https://www.8newsnow.com/community/cool-at-school-segment/whats-cool-at-school-education-behind-bars-has-inmates-and-their-supporters-excited/
‘I can walk out a person’: Inside the college program giving Nevada inmates a second chance
Las Vegas Sun · July 27, 2026
Read the article: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2026/jul/27/i-can-walk-out-a-person-inside-the-college-program/
College of Southern Nevada, Prison Ed Panel
College of Southern Nevada · September 28, 2026
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/prison-ed-panel/
2025
CSN Prison Education Program Celebrates Grads
College of Southern Nevada · April 21, 2025
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/csn-culinary-students-graduate-from-nv-department-of-corrections/
College of Southern Nevada, NDOC Celebrate Inmates’ Academic Achievements
KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas · May 16, 2025
Read the article: https://www.ktnv.com/news/college-of-southern-nevada-ndoc-celebrate-inmates-academic-achievements#google_vignette
The Power of a Reset: Grads Chart a New Path at Florence McClure
College of Southern Nevada · May 17, 2025
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/the-power-of-a-reset-grads-chart-a-new-path-at-florence-mcclure/
What’s Cool at School? – A Graduation Ceremony for Women Turning Their Lives Around
KLAS Channel 8 Las Vegas · June 6, 2025
Watch the story: https://www.8newsnow.com/community/cool-at-school-segment/whats-cool-at-school-a-graduation-ceremony-for-women-turning-their-lives-around
What’s Cool at School? – Meet Some of the Prison Inmates Who Graduated from CSN While Still Incarcerated
KLAS Channel 8 Las Vegas · July 4, 2025
Watch the story: https://www.8newsnow.com/community/cool-at-school-segment/whats-cool-at-school-meet-some-of-the-prison-inmates-who-graduated-from-csn-while-still-incarcerated/
Real Talk on Prison Education at CSN
College of Southern Nevada · November 17, 2025
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/real-talk-on-prison-education-at-csn/
Culinary and Welding Milestone Prison Ed Ceremonies
College of Southern Nevada · December 18, 2025
Read the article: https://news.csn.edu/csn-celebrates-culinary-and-welding-graduates-in-milestone-prison-ed-ceremonies/
2024
“Doing Guy Stuff”: Inmates at Nevada Women’s Prison Embrace Job-Training Program
Las Vegas Review-Journal · September 21, 2024
Read the article: https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-nevada/doing-guy-stuff-inmates-at-nevada-womens-prison-embrace-job-training-program-3174272/
Prison Educators Share Their Experiences at UNLV’s Summit on Nevada Education
KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas · November 17, 2024
Read the article: https://www.ktnv.com/news/prison-educators-share-their-experiences-at-unlvs-summit-on-nevada-education
Inmates Take a Second Chance on Themselves Through Education Programs
KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas · December 9, 2024
Read the article: https://www.ktnv.com/news/inmates-take-a-second-chance-on-themselves-through-education-programs#google_vignette
Inmates at Nevada’s Women’s Prison Walk Stage in “Winter Wonderland” Graduation Ceremony
Las Vegas Review-Journal · December 11, 2024
Read the article: https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/inmates-at-nevadas-womens-prison-walk-stage-in-winter-wonderland-graduation-ceremony-3224913/
2022
Advocating for Higher Education in Prison
University of Nevada, Reno · May 3, 2022
Read the article: https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/blogs/2022/advocating-for-higher-ed-in-prison
2020
To Be Free Again
Coyote Student News, College of Southern Nevada · March 19, 2020
Read the article: https://coyotestudentnews.com/2020/03/19/to-be-free-again/
2019
CSN, NSHE Celebrate Completers of Prison Education Program
Nevada System of Higher Education · July 18, 2019
Read the article: https://nshe.nevada.edu/system-administration/news/2019/07/csn-nshe-celebrate-completers-of-prison-education-program/
A Second Chance: Prisoners Thrive in Program Designed to Open Up Job Opportunities
The Nevada Independent · June 30, 2019
Read the article: https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/a-second-chance-prisoners-thrive-in-program-designed-to-help-job-opportunities
Hope for Prisoners Touts “Game Changer” for State, Offenders
Nevada Current · February 19, 2019
Read the article: https://nevadacurrent.com/2019/02/19/hope-for-prisoners-touts-game-changer-for-state-offenders/
2018
Las Vegas Women’s Jail Program Celebrates 1st Graduating Class
Las Vegas Review-Journal · June 14, 2018
Read the article: https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/las-vegas-womens-jail-program-celebrates-1st-graduating-class/
Second Chances: Prison Program Connects Inmates to Education
Nevada Current · June 14, 2018
Read the article: https://nevadacurrent.com/2018/06/14/second-chances-prison-program-connects-inmates-to-education/
2017
Books Behind Bars
Coyote Student News, College of Southern Nevada · April 6, 2017
Read the article: https://coyotestudentnews.com/2017/04/05/books-behind-bars/
The Nevada Prison Education Project
Steamatic of Southern Nevada
Anonymous
Bret and Cynthia S.
Sponsored Investments Inc.
Explore Scientific
Locations
Casa Grande Transitional Housing Center houses up to 400 residents who are actively working to re-enter society by securing work and housing. They are located at 3955 W Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118
Florence McClure Women’s Correctional Center is a medium-to-maximum security women’s prison that houses up to 950 inmates and has approximately 171 staff members. They are located at 4370 Smiley Road, Las Vegas, NV 89115
High Desert State Prison is a medium-to-maximum security men’s prison that houses up to 4,176 inmates and has approximately 494 staff members. They are located at 22010 Cold Creek Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89166
Southern Desert Correctional Center is a minimum-security men’s prison that houses up to 2,149 inmates and has approximately 268 staff members. They are located at 20825 Cold Creek Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89166
Three Lakes Valley Conservation Camp houses up to 192 minimum custody male inmates and has approximately 18 staff members. They supply inmates to the Nevada Division of Forestry for work projects such as roadside litter removal, landscape beautification, and fighting wildfires. They are located at 20825 Cold Creek Rd, Indian Springs, NV 89070.
