Christian prison inmates in California are studying to become evangelists and church planters after they're released.

About 900 inmates in 18 prisons are participating in the three-and-half year program. The course offers seminary-level classes designed to train them to minister in poor communities.

The course is the result of a partnership between World Impact and Prison Fellowship.

Ten men graduated from the program last year and 14 more are expected to graduate this year.

Prisons in Michigan, Florida, and Colorado have also started classes.