Palomar College offers a wide range of academic courses at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.  Recently, the schedule of courses was expanded to include coursework for those incarcerated in the brig at Camp Pendleton.

Trusting its 53 year relationship with Palomar College, the Camp Pendleton brig leadership initiated a proposal designed to align with their rehabilitation program for the incarcerated population on base.  This initiated the planning for increased educational opportunities and the first classes.

“We have a great track record in educating active duty service members and their dependents at Camp Pendleton.  The proposal to expand our course offerings and provide inmates access to education at the brig is perfectly aligned with the mission of Palomar College,” said Ryan Williams, Education Center Director.

Two non-credit classes were offered during the Fall semester toward the Certificate in College Preparation, also known as the Academic Skills program. The classes, taught by two Palomar College faculty members, focused on remedial reading, English and Mathematics. Upon completion, students earned a Certificate of Competency.

Seventeen students completed the classes and received their certificates during a ceremony hosted by Williams and Palomar College Rising Scholars Coordinator Dr. Nora Kenney, and the commanding officer of the brig.

Williams said Camp Pendleton leaders have already requested to expand the number of classes offered at the brig. We are looking to schedule credit courses at the brig during the fall 2025 semester, he confirmed.

Palomar College is a leader within the California Community College system in educating incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students.  In addition to the classes for inmates at the Camp Pendleton brig, Palomar College offers classes at the Vista County Jail. Dr. Kenney said the recidivism rate of inmates decreases significantly for those who have taken college classes.

“It’s really crucial for people who are incarcerated to have education programs,” she said. “Education is the one foolproof way out of prison.”

When released from prison, incarcerated students who have taken the classes are able to continue their education at Palomar College.

“The exposure to education, provides these students with new future considerations whenever they are released,” Williams said. “If they can build their confidence in education, the thought of going to college when they get out will be less intimidating.”