Prison Communities International, Inc.

Prison Communities International, which does business as Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), began in 1996 as a small theater group in Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Today, RTA works in five maximum and medium security New York State prisons, directly serving 200 incarcerated men and women with more than 30 professional teaching artists. Through innovative workshops and productions in theater, dance, music, creative writing, and visual arts, RTA participants build life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and discipline. Two research studies demonstrate the real impact of RTA’s work. Researchers at John Jay College of Criminal Justice showed that RTA participants demonstrated improved behavior and anger management, with fewer and less serious infractions compared to a control group. Researchers at Purchase College showed that participation in RTA led to achieving a high school equivalency diploma earlier in prisoner sentences and a three-fold increase in post-high school academics, compared to a matched sample. RTA will continue its activities and support participants who are strengthening their life skills.