To the Editor:

I really enjoyed reading the article on Princeton University students volunteering their time to tutor prisoners [Town Topics, Feb. 19, p. 5]. I find this idea to be extremely promising. Not only does it allow young college students to step outside of their norms and interact with people who they would have otherwise not be given the chance to interact with, but the idea of improving literacy within the prison community to the degree that one is able to get their high school diploma is simply wonderful.

With an estimated 63 percent of inmates unable to read, the need for help is urgent. Since much of the interaction that prisoners have with their families is done through letter writing, the gift of literacy could prove to help strengthen the relationships between prisoners and their children. The tutoring that these college students are providing is almost guaranteeing these inmates a brighter future. With hope, these new skills, as well obtaining certificates of diplomacy, will be just the motivation these inmates need to put their lives on the right path.

I thank you for bringing this issue to reader’s attention, and hope that it inspires other universities to follow suit.

Jenica Heron

California State University, Northridge

Communication Studies Student