Butler County Prison on South Washington Street in Butler in 2023. The jail will be implementing a new educational program on July 18, 2025. Butler Eagle File Photo

Justin Guido

A new program designed to educate and rehabilitate inmates is set to be implemented at Butler County Prison on Wednesday, June 18.

The jail collaborated with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office to bring the Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education program, also known as I.G.N.I.T.E. The program is a nationwide initiative led by the National Sheriffs’ Association.

“I.G.N.I.T.E. will take our programming to a whole, new level by providing opportunities that I never thought would be possible inside our walls to those motivated to change,” said Beau Sneddon, county warden. “This is our biggest swing at impacting recidivism by providing the individuals who want the help with the tools to change.”

Butler County Prison will be the third program site in Pennsylvania and the 27th site nationwide.

According to a news release by the county, researchers from Harvard University, Brown University and the University of Michigan determined the program has been shown to reduce recidivism, improve post-release employment and foster a more positive environment within jails.

“The I.G.N.I.T.E. program is a step in the right direction for re-entry programs in corrections facilities,” Sheriff Mike Slupe said. “Years ago, it was do the crime, do the time, but our job has evolved into helping those who want help by giving them a chance to make sure they come out better than they went in. Giving them the chance to learn, grow, and prepare for life after jail helps them, helps our communities, and makes everyone safer.”