This study details an investigation of community college studies for the incarcerated, focusing on the offerings of South Coast College for inmates within California. The study interviewed ten former inmates, each of whom studied with South Coast College while in prison, as well as faculty members, educational administrators, and a corrections officer. The study posed two main research questions as part of its investigation to determine whether or not this educational endeavor increases access, persistence, and social capital for its students. After a data collection process and analysis of the findings, the study concludes that community college education for the incarcerated enhances the access to college for this population, increases persistence, and builds the social capital of the students that participate. The study poses recommendations that are presented for South Coast College to consider, encouraging further study of various aspects of its offerings for the incarcerated, in hopes that in the future, community college students that attend classes while in prison have even greater potential to maintain their persistence in education and to increase their social capital to a greater degree. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]