There is a solution to the downward spiral of crime and incarceration. Individuals who have broken the law can see this cycle replaced by a cycle of renewal as they embrace the teaching of the Word of God.

With the goal of bringing transformation and true renewal in prisons, Prairie College has introduced the Bible Encounter Program to several federal institutions in Canada. The program has positively impacted the lives of over 300 inmates since 2016.

This is a rare opportunity for incarcerated offenders to have access to Christian Higher Education. The Encounter program is a ten-course program with thirty credit hours and is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. It offers an excellent foundation opportunity for the mind renewal process to begin.

Courses & Costs

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“I sensed the call of God on my life at 16, but took a wrong turn that landed me in and out of prison for the past 20 years. It’s been a life-long dream to go to Bible College and I praise God for Prairie and all the staff who are making my dream come true.” 

– Inmate Student

Meet Our Staff

Get Involved

The Prison program has over 60 active students at any given time. In order to continue to serve these students we rely on the support of our volunteers and the financial support of generous donors. If you would like to get involved, please contact us.

Do you have questions? Let's chat...

Allert_Gord

Gord Allert

Prison Program Director ​

Gord Allert

Prison Encounter Program

All courses are three credits unless shown otherwise.

Bible & Theology (18 credits)

NT 112 Reading the Gospels and Acts

In this course, students are introduced to the story of Jesus Christ and his earliest disciples as told by the four Gospels and the book of Acts. Students will grow in their understanding of who Jesus is as well as in their ability to interpret the bible by attending to its literary, historical, and theological character.

NT 221 Reading Paul’s Letters

This course is an introduction to the life and letters of the apostle Paul. Students will gain a basic understanding of the historical, literary, and theological characteristics of each of Paul’s letters, and in the process will further develop their skills in attentive and critical bible reading.

OT 112 Reading the Torah

A study of the first five books of the Bible, focusing on the historical, literary and theological features of these books as well as establishing a strong grounding in Torah principles as preparation for interpreting the rest of Scripture.

OT 221 Reading the Historical Books

A study of the books of Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings and Ezra-Nehemiah in their cultural, historical, and literary setting. Brief interaction with Ruth, Esther, and 1-2 Chronicles as they relate to the books associated with them. Focuses on interpretive and contextual issues, historical setting, cultural concerns, and their relevance in developing a strong biblical theology in today’s world.

ST 105 The Christian Quest

The Christian life is the experience of God drawing us into a relationship that is nothing less than the believer’s participation in the life of God through union with Christ. This is the Good News (i.e. Gospel) that takes root through sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). The transformative participation in Christ and His purposes gives this present life value, direction and hope. The believer is called to the quest of faithful discipleship in this participation and engagement with Christ.

The course is an exploration of and involvement in that quest. You will be challenged toward intentional participation in the life of God through your faithful discipleship response to His person and work. The content will explore a Christian spiritual theology and practice of participation with Christ. The theological approach to this participation is as a transformational relationship with the triune God in which you have both responsibilities and privileges. The course is designed to stretch beyond a cognitive/intellectual exercise and therefore you will be encouraged to actively engage in whole-hearted participation with God, both inside and outside of the classroom. The desired result is that you will know God more deeply, relate to Him as one intimately known by Him, and desire to make Him known to others.

TH 100 Introduction to Christian Theology

This course introduces students to the biblical, doctrinal, philosophical and historical “big picture” outlines of the Christian faith. The course aims to equip students with the skills to develop a Christian mind by assisting them in constructing a theological foundation for thinking and dealing with life’s most important issues. This course will also enable students to begin to think theologically and to construct a Christian worldview for the edification of the community of faith and to the glory of the almighty God whom we serve.

Arts & Sciences (6 credits)

HF 111 Thinking & Writing

This course focuses on a variety of aspects of academic research. The student will critically assess a variety of sources that mostly pertain to the task of apologetics. The primary focus of this course is research and writing, and the secondary focus is apologetics. This means that the student will assess, analyze, summarize, and review source documents that pertain to apologetics. The student will learn how to write academically and how to properly paraphrase source documents in order to enhance their critical thinking skills. Additionally, the student will be familiarized with the library and information literacy. In sum, this course is designed to introduce the student to the task of sound research and proper academic writing.

SS 170 Christianity in the 21st Century World

This course describes and analyzes the range and nature of Christian expression around the world. This will be done in three ways: 1) by briefly describing the four main streams of Christianity evident today; 2) by examining the variety of expressions of indigenous Christianity in the various geographical regions of the globe, and major challenges Christians face in each region; and 3) by getting a brief introduction of how Christianity spread from its Hebrew roots in Palestine to becoming a global faith which is known today as World Christianity (Christianity whose agenda is no longer determined by churches in the nations of the West). The underlying question for Christians living in the West is, ‘What is our place and role in this recently altered global landscape of Christianity?’ This course will offer some possible answers to that question.

General Electives (6 credits)

IS 140 World Religions

A basic understanding of the beliefs, doctrines, and practices of the major world religions will allow Christians to be more effective in their witness for Christ in today’s multicultural world. After a survey of the ideas, philosophy, doctrine, and major practices of the main religions we will discuss how our Gospel witness can be/should be contextualized to people from a particular world religion. We will not include Christianity or Judaism in our study. Includes visits to places of worship in Calgary.

CM250 Introduction to Counselling

This is a foundational introductory course on theories and practice related to the field of interpersonal helping skills in the context of Christian ministry. Through active involvement, the student will experience the basic process of helping others identify issues, set goals and move forward in their lives. Students will learn to recognize their role and what they bring into the helping relationship as a “skilled helper”.

The cost to Prairie College is approximately $1,650 per course. Incarcerated individuals who are accepted into the program will have their tuition paid for by donors. The program is funded on a scholarship basis and donors are encouraged to contact us for more information. 

Institutions

  • Bowden Institution
  • Drumheller Institution
  • Edmonton Institution for Women
  • Edmonton Institution
  • Grande Cache Institution
  • Mission Institution (Pending)

It's FREE Application Month at Prairie! Use promo code MARCH25

Here are key opportunities you can partner with Prairie

We have launched our Campaign for Greater Impact to provide students with the very best learning opportunities and campus facilities for the decades ahead. 

In Phase One of this Campaign, we plan to invest in much-needed campus renewal, including: upgraded Infrastructure, a new Student Residence, Cafeteria, Worship Auditorium, and expanded Aviation Training Centre. A modern campus requires an investment that is bold, and even expensive, but each Campaign Project is strategic, and designed to enhance Prairie’s campus and student life experience.

Expansion of Prairie Aviation Training Centre

This expansion of PATC’s facility is a key project of Prairie’s Campaign for Greater Impact. It will increase the College’s capacity to train a new generation of Christian aviators to serve God in missions, and also address the growing need for trained pilots in the commercial aviation sector.

Scholarships & Education Fund

Invest in the next generation of missional professionals. Each year Prairie College distributes over $500,000 in scholarships and bursaries to students. We are grateful for each gift that reduces the burden of students’ tuition and allows students to fulfill their God-given professions.

Prison Bible Encounter Program

Encourage inmates in five institutions across Alberta to discover or reconnect with Jesus Christ. This fund assists the students studying the Certificate in Bible program with scholarships, resources for classes, and instruction. 

General Ministries

Prairie College is educating students to pursue a Biblical foundation for life and career.  Your contribution to this fund assists in minimizing the College’s general operating expenses.  

To allocate your gift, please select one of the donation buttons below.