CIU Prison Initiative

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Transforming Lives Through the CIU Prison Initiative

At Columbia International University, we believe no life is beyond the reach of God’s grace. The CIU Prison Initiative equips inmates with a Christ-centered education, empowering them to become missionaries and leaders within the South Carolina prison system.

Through this transformative program, men behind bars are discipled, educated, and sent as ambassadors of hope to minister to their fellow inmates.

Impact That Lasts

Since 2007, the CIU Prison Initiative has accomplished:

203 student-inmates

have graduated with accredited degrees

21 South Carolina prisons

have CIU graduates serving as ministers and mentors

50 graduates released

with a 5% recidivism rate — far below the national average

400,000+ total visits

from students visiting every inmate entering SCDC with 30,000 inmates visited annually

26 graduates

have pursued higher degrees (BA and MA) for continued impact

45 paroled graduates

employed and active in local churches

15,000 inmates

have professed their faith and 18,000 have rededicated their lives to Christ

Program Details

Each year, up to 15 qualified inmates are accepted into the two-year program, where they receive theological training from CIU professors earning an Associate of Arts in Bible.

While in the CIU Prison Initiative, student-inmates dedicate 2–6 hours per week to cell-to-cell evangelism and Bible teaching, sharing the hope of Christ with fellow inmates. Upon graduation, they are assigned to prisons across South Carolina, serving as missionaries and ministers within their facilities.

Through a unique blend of Bible, theology, ministry, and academic courses, students receive the training needed to lead and disciple others—both inside and beyond prison walls.

FAQs

What population group is to be served and approximately how many?

Currently, the focus is on men in the South Carolina prison system. No preference is given regarding race or denomination. Because many of these men may have been already incarcerated for 20 years or more, no family support is expected or required.

How does funding impact the program?

Funding from churches, individuals and businesses goes toward providing full tuition for students, financial stipends for the faculty and staff, office expenses, as well as the cost of textbooks and classroom supplies.

How is the program funded?

The program is donor funded. The prison has provided space within the prison walls (two classrooms, a library and a computer lab) but all books, equipment, desks, etc. have been provided through the generous support of donors (individuals, businesses and churches).

How often do students interact with faculty and staff at CIU?

CIU Prison Initiative students interact with faculty, staff and volunteers five days a week (Monday through Friday). All classes are taught on-site. Small class sizes (no more than 15) allow for good class discussions and provide professors with the opportunity to get to know the students they are privileged to teach.

How did the program begin?

In 2004, SCDC (South Carolina Dept. of Corrections) approached CIU and asked us to partner with them to begin a program similar to the one at Angola State Prison in Louisiana. The program at Angola had been very successful and the leadership had seen significant impact in the lives of the men living at the Angola State Prison. Though it took several years, the first cohort of students arrived at Kirkland Correctional Institution in January 2007 to begin their studies.