New College of Florida Program Uses Puppetry for Inmate Workforce Reintegration
New College of Florida students and Professor Dr. Tyler Fisher are implementing an innovative puppetry program to prepare incarcerated individuals for workforce reintegration. This initiative, funded by a Community Impact Grant from United Arts of Central Florida, is a collaboration with the bilingual performing arts non-profit Open Scene. The program, titled 'The Art of Interviewing: Voice, Vision, Vocation,' focuses on teaching vital job interview skills to inmates at the Osceola County Corrections Department. Initially, the program conducted workshops in English and Spanish for both male and female inmates. This summer, the focus has shifted specifically to female inmates, addressing the unique challenges they face upon reentry into society. Students Jones Hogsed and Alicia Byrne are integral co-creators, developing curriculum and facilitating the program. The custom-designed puppets, made from soft foam and felt, feature interchangeable appendages and facial features, allowing inmates to assemble them ...