The CORE program began modestly with 12 inmate volunteers sentenced to the Texas Department of Corrections. The first inmate cadets had never been to prison, were sentenced to 5 years or less, had not been convicted of violent crimes, and were volunteers. Cadets worked 4 days a week on parks and road projects. In 1 year, work done by CORE cadets on projects for the Public Improvements and Transportation Department saved the county $86,680. The initial CORE schedule resembled a military boot camp. In addition to work, cadets were required to attend various programs, such as educational classes and alcohol and substance abuse counseling. The CORE schedule was later modified to include daily program and work sessions and a transition phase before graduation to prepare cadets to deal with the responsibilities of re-entering society. The CORE program is being evaluated by the Travis County Adult Probation Department through a 5-year followup study of recidivism among program participants.