Bidirectional university outreach strategies: analysis of the UdeCvolunteer program at the Coronel Social Reintegration Center

Abstract

This article examines the bidirectional nature of a university volunteer program from the Universi
dad de Concepción was implemented at the Coronel Provisional Detention and Closed-Regime
Center (CIP-CRC). The initiative provides mentoring and pre-college preparation to justice-
involved youth. Using a single-case design (2024), we combined (i) document review of
institutional guidelines and youth reintegration policies, (ii) 12 semi-structured interviews with key
actors (one center official, nine student mentors, two youths), and (iii) systematization of
2023–2024 program outputs. Findings show external benefits for youths—rebuilding study habits,
socio-emotional strengthening, vocational clarification, and concrete transitions to post-secondary
education—and internal benefits for UdeC students—pedagogical and communication skills,
project management and leadership, empathy, and civic-ethical commitment. In 2023, six youths
completed secondary education and three enrolled in higher education; in 2024, six additional
youths accessed technical or professional programs, three of them after UdeC tutoring. Persistent
challenges include heterogeneous learning levels, logistical constraints, and instructional continuity
under confinement. We propose measures to consolidate the model: credit-bearing curricularization,
territorial scaling, and stronger inter-sector collaboration. Overall, the case illustrates that well-
designed, reciprocal university–community engagement can act as a catalyst for social inclusion
while enhancing student learning, offering actionable insights for education-centered reintegration
policies.