THE OVERVIEW POINTS TO SEVERAL BENEFITS OF THE 2-YEAR COLLEGE AS A SOURCE OF EDUCATION FOR INMATES: MOST SUCH COLLEGES ARE 'OPEN DOOR' INSTITUTIONS, WHICH MEANS THAT INMATES COULD REGISTER EASILY; MOST OFFER A BROAD RANGE OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING VOCATIONAL COURSES; COMMUNITY COLLEGES ARE ACCUSTOMED TO MEETING THE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF DISADVANTAGED PERSONS; THEY ARE ACCESSIBLE; AND, FINALLY, IT IS THE PURPOSE OF SUCH COLLEGES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, AND INMATES ARE PART OF THE COMMUNITY. THE OPERATIONS OF THE FOLLOWING THREE PROGRAMS ARE ANALYZED: A COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THE FEDERAL PRISON CAMP, EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLA.; A 2-YEAR COLLEGE PROGRAM OPERATED WITHIN THE FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AT TALLAHASSEE, FLA.; AND A PROGRAM OPERATED BY THE ALEXANDER CITY STATE JUNIOR COLLEGE AT THREE ALABAMA CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. THE ANALYSIS LEADS TO THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS: EDUCATORS IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND IN PRISONS SHOULD SEEK EACH OTHER OUT IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH PROGRAMS FOR INMATES; FURTHER RESEARCH SHOULD BE DONE ON HOW COMMUNITY COLLEGES CAN REVISE AND ADD TO THEIR CURRICULUMS IN ORDER TO ASSIST IN THE RESOCIALIZATION OF INMATES; AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES SHOULD DEVELOP A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD INCARCERATED PERSONS. A BIBLIOGRAPHY IS INCLUDED. (LKM)