Residents Individually Growing Naturally & Intentionally Through Education

Harvard University researchers have studied the IGNITE (Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education) program in Flint, Michigan, which helps incarcerated individuals improve their reading, math, and other skills. The National Sheriffs' Association has adopted IGNITE as a national initiative, and the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is the first agency in Virginia to launch R.I.G.N.I.T.E. (Residents Individually Growing Naturally and Intentionally Through Education), a program modeled after the transformative IGNITE educational platform.

Findings

• Reduced recidivism: After one month in the program, participants were 18% less likely to return to jail within three months, and 23% less likely over a year.

• Improved math and reading: Participants gained a full grade level in reading and math.

• Improved self-perception: Participants developed a more positive self-perception and mindset.

• Improved community relations: Community members who were exposed to IGNITE or had family members who were exposed had more positive views of law enforcement.

• The program also cuts major misconduct incidents in jail by 49%.

Impact

• Breaks the cycle of recidivism, increasing chances for employment and further education.

• Improves behavior in jail, reducing violence and threats.

• Strengthens community relationships, fostering trust in law enforcement.

• Saves society money, with an estimated $5,600 saved per participant per year.

Research team

The research team included Professor Marcella Alsan from Harvard Kennedy School and Professor Crystal Yang from Harvard Law School.

Benefits

The program has been shown to be beneficial for both individuals and the community.

Phase 1

• Recreation in All Areas

• GED Classes

• Start Fresh Start Culinary Class

• Start Men's Alpha Pod

• Start Women's Alpha

• Start Men's Narcotics Anonymous

• Discharge Planning Services

• Library Services

Phase 2

• Start Re-Entry Pod

• Move Male Alpha to Program Floor

• Start Religious Studies Classes

• Start Art Therapy Class

• Pathway Home Program

• Build Smart Institute Classes

• Keys to Freedom Program

• Resident Workbooks

Phase 3

Inside-Out Program

• BrightView Group

• CHARLII Program

• DMV Connect

• Start Male Mental Health Therapeutic Pod

• Start Female M/H Therapeutic Pod and Re-Entry

• Start (R)IGNITE Education pods for males

• Education Platform on Resident Tablet

• Start Additional Programming with Community Partners:

Financial Literacy – MemberOne

Hope Initiative – Bradley Free Clinic

Greater Roanoke Workforce Development

Hustle Haven Yoga for Female Residents

Virginia Western Community College

• M-TREM Men’s Trauma Recovery for men

• Forklift Training

• Disinfection Specialist

• CPR, AED, First Aid and NARCAN training

• Clear Choice – Drug Educational Program

• Trauma Informed Training