SCI Cambridge Springs

SCI Cambridge Springs, a minimum-security female facility, opened in March 1992 and was formerly a college known as Polish National Alliance. The existing buildings were built in the 1930’s and 1940’s; however, construction of new housing units and renovations have since been completed.

Facility Information

Number of Acres Inside Perimeter: 40

Number of Acres Outside Perimeter: 85

Number of Operational Structures (inside and outside of perimeter): 18

Number of Housing Units: 6

Housing units consist of both cells and dormitory-style housing.

Average Number of Full-Time Employees: 352

Inmate Information

Inmate Population: Current Inmate Population

PA Correctional Industries: SCI Cambridge Springs features the PCI Optical Lab, a highly successful operation that can employ up to 25 inmates and makes glasses for all DOC facilities. The Lab also makes glasses for other state agencies and nonprofit organizations. It is run by the C.I. Optical Lab Supervisor, C.I. Optical Lab Foreman and Stock Clerk. Inmate workers must successfully complete a four-month vocational class before being permitted or eligible to work in the Optical Lab. After completing the four-month vocational training, inmates have an opportunity to take the American Board of Opticianry test to become a certified Optician. This certification allows them to practice Opticianry in the United States. The facility has had more than 90 inmates successfully pass the ABO test and earn their certification.

Community Work Program: The SCI Cambridge Springs CWP crew completes Braille projects for people in the community as wella s monthly custodial work at the National Guard Stryker Base.

Reentry Service Office: In order to ease a reentrant’s transition after release and improve community reintegration, the Reentry Service Offices (RSOs) are designed to provide information and services to inmates who are within 18 months to their minimum and/or release date. Reentry Parole Agents (RPAs) oversee the RSOs and work with other DOC staff members to facilitate various workshops including Life Skills, Budgeting, Digital Literacy — among many others. The RSO utilizes its computer lab to assist reentrants with resume writing, job searches, as well as providing community connections for services they may need upon release.

Academic Education

• Academic education through GED

Vocational Programs

• Optical
• Braille
• Custodial Maintenance
• Cosmetology

All vocational classes offer industry-recognized certifications specific to the trade skills taught in the program.

Inmate Programs

• Moving on for Women
• Living Safely for Women
• Back on Track Inside
• TPV Phase Program
• Sex Offender Program
• Seeking Safety
• Act 143 Victim Awareness Education
• Impact of Crime
• Long Term Offenders Group
• Positive Relationships
• Abuse Group
• Individual Counseling
• Parenting Inside Out
• Caregiver Training
• Strong Mothers Group
• Read to Your Children
• House of Healing
• Volunteer Facilitated Programs
  • Volunteers offer a variety of Religious Services groups. A full-time volunteer from Women’s Services has continued to offer individual and group treatment for survivors of abuse and trauma.