Prisons offering programs typically have a deal with a local university and a private fund or grant that helps pay for the education program. Professors teach classes at the prison and students take tests much like they would at a university.
College education programs have a limited amount of spots open for hundreds or even thousands of applicants in a prison. Prisoners must have a high school diploma or GED to qualify for these programs, and many prisons help inmates earn a GED while incarcerated. Prisoners must compete with each other to earn a spot in the college program through either an entrance exam or a written essay. In-person interviews may also be required.
Mentors are usually volunteers who provide support and encouragement to prisoners working in a college program. These individuals work as a team and visit the prison several times a year. Mentors may help with spiritual growth and give suggestions to prisoners on how to continue their education once they are released.
Low security prisons sometimes offer correspondence programs in which prisoners receive course materials by mail, perform the required work and then return what they've done in the mail for a grade. The prison must have a policy allowing for such mail transfers. Correspondence can help prisoners continue their education or begin a college path that they can continue once released.