The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is offering its Inside Out course for the third consecutive year, bringing together CNC students and incarcerated learners to study restorative justice in a shared classroom setting at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre (PGRCC).
In its first two years, CNC offered the Inside Out program online. The move to an in-person format reflects the growing partnership between CNC and BC Corrections and enhances opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and experiential learning within a structured classroom environment.
The Inside Out program is an internationally recognized educational initiative that provides post-secondary learning opportunities inside correctional facilities. At CNC, the course pairs students who are currently incarcerated ("inside" students) with students from the community ("outside" students), creating a powerful academic environment that puts a face and voice to what it means to be involved in the justice system in a way that fosters dialogue, critical thinking, and mutual understanding.
The course is taught by CNC Criminology instructor Marc Sinclair, who has led the program since its introduction at the college.
"The Inside Out program brings together people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn alongside one another, and that in itself is powerful," said Sinclair. "The course creates a space where students can engage thoughtfully about restorative justice while also building understanding, respect, and human connection. Seeing how quickly initial nerves fall away and meaningful dialogue begins is a reminder of the role education can play in breaking down barriers and supporting positive change."
Each offering of the course is limited to 20 students - 10 from the community and 10 from within the correctional centre - to support meaningful discussion and collaboration. Interest in the program continues to grow, with more than 40 applicants this year across both groups.
CNC President and CEO Cindy Heitman said the program aligns closely with the college's commitment to accessible, community-focused education.
"At CNC, we believe education should create opportunity, build understanding, and strengthen communities," said Heitman. "The Inside Out program reflects those values by providing students with a unique learning experience grounded in respect, critical thinking, and personal growth. We are grateful to our partners at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre for their collaboration and commitment to making this program possible for a third year."
The program is delivered in partnership with BC Corrections, whose staff support the coordination and delivery of the course on site.
"It is heartening to hear from correctional staff in Prince George about the meaningful growth they are seeing in the program's participants," said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "I had the opportunity to visit the correctional facility last December and saw firsthand the expertise and dedication of the B.C. corrections staff. All students are showing vulnerability, empathy and openness to different perspectives, fostering changes in behaviour and thinking that can support and enhance public safety in communities."
Since joining CNC in 2015, Sinclair has focused on criminology and restorative justice education and recently marked his 10-year anniversary with the college. He notes that while the program requires significant coordination, the impact on students is substantial.
The Inside Out course is part of CNC's broader commitment to creating inclusive learning environments and strengthening community partnerships across northern British Columbia.
For more information about CNC programs and community partnerships, visit www.cnc.bc.ca
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