A group of approximately 15 St. Cloud State University students, faculty and staff recently embarked on a unique tour of the Federal Correctional Institute Sandstone in April. This opportunity allowed participants to gain valuable insights into the facility’s operations, explore internship and employment prospects with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion with incarcerated individuals.
The tour, organized by Associate Warden Josh Hovden and the SCSU Career Center, aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the outstanding employment opportunities available with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Correctional staff guided the group through various sections of the facility while shedding light on the day-to-day operations, security measures, rehabilitation programs offered to inmates and more.
Throughout the tour, students had the chance to interact with inmates who willingly shared their personal stories, thoughts on incarceration and reflections on their own lives. The group was also able to visit areas of the prison typically not open to the public such as the mail processing room, healthcare facility, residential dorm spaces and the on-site printing company.
Representatives from the Federal Bureau of Prisons were also present throughout the tour, offering valuable insights into potential internship and employment opportunities within the corrections field. This engagement with the Bureau of Prisons allowed participants to explore potential career paths and gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the federal prison system.
The experience left a lasting impact on all attendees who took part. By organizing this tour, the SCSU Career Center demonstrated its commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and providing students with valuable experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
