- Advised Obama administration regarding nationwide correctional education practices and research. Participated in meeting at the White House October 2009.
- Conducted field research for U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences grant. Conducted in partnership with the Correctional Education Association and RMC Research Corporation of Denver, this randomized-trial design is studying the impact of postsecondary education on offenders in 44 prison schools in 7 states. Several critical outcomes include institutional behavior, continuing education, post-release employment, and recidivism. 2007-2011. For more information, click here.
- Authored and presented one of seven correctional education white papers for John Jay College Reentry Institute, New York City. Panelist at Round Table discussion regarding correctional education practices and research nationwide. 2008.
- Completed comprehensive correctional education summary and recommendations report for California Prison Health Care Receivership including curricular, technology, infrastructure, and personnel requirements for schools in seven new prison facilities for medically and mentally ill offenders. 2008.
- Conducted comprehensive assessment of Maryland's statewide correctional education system. Subsequent report used in advising state administrators prior to transfer of correctional education responsibilities from Department of Education to Department of Labor. Presented findings to Governor's Task Force. 2008.
- Conducted feasibility study for an independent distance learning correctional education system for the Transforming Lives Network, Correctional Education Association/Department of Commerce Washington, DC. 2007-2008.
Northstar co-founders Cindy Borden and Penny Richardson bring 32 collective years of managing and evaluating correctional education programs. Northstar provides multiple services to correctional education agencies throughout the United States including:
- program evaluations
- grant writing
- scientifically-based field research
- curriculum design and development
- school and program improvement consultation
- funding source identification for special projects
- professional development
- presentations at correctional education conferences
With experience in multiple grants including Adult Basic Education (ABE), Carl Perkins, Incarcerated Youth Offender, Incarcerated Individuals Program, Even Start Family Literacy, Life Skills for State and Local Prisoners, and Library Services, Northstar’s Borden and Richardson have extensive knowledge of Federal and State Aid administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Familiarity with state and federal reporting systems is critical to the successful implementation and evaluation of federal and state programs.