Inmates help recondition computers for classrooms

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The state Education Department is working with the Corrections Department to get more computers into public schools.

Donated computers that come mostly from other state agencies or businesses - are shipped to Manning Correctional Institution for reconditioning by inmates.

In 2003 and 2004, 1,270 computers were rebuilt.

"There's a never-ending need for these things," said Dave Altus, a special projects director with the Education Department who trains the inmates to remove files left on the hard drives and install software for use in classrooms.

Some districts put the refurbished computers in libraries and classrooms, others put them in adult-education programs.

Cathy McQueen supervises three to six trusties, inmates with special privileges, who work four days a week on the program. "People really like to work here," she said. "It's a plumb job."

Inmates are paid 35 to 65 cents an hour for their work - money that goes toward restitution for their crimes or that can be used to buy things at the prison canteen.

"I think it gives them self-worth to know they're giving something back," McQueen said.

An $18,000 federal grant pays the inmates and buys any computer parts that are needed.