How ISSA Certification is Empowering Incarcerated Men at FPC Morgantown

At a quiet campus nestled in the hills of West Virginia, a powerful transformation is underway—one that doesn't make headlines, but changes lives every day. At Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Morgantown, a minimum-security facility for low-risk male inmates, vocational trainer Matt Billotti is using fitness to pave a path to redemption.

Billotti, CF-L1 and ISSA-CPT, leads a first-of-its-kind Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) program with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). “It’s not just about fitness—it’s about giving these men something real they can use when they re-enter society,” he explains. “We’re helping them redefine themselves as professionals, role models, and contributors to their communities.”

From Application to Certification: A Structured, Purposeful Program

Enrollment into the CPT course isn’t automatic. Inmates must apply through a process called a “copout” and meet prerequisites such as having a GED or being enrolled in GED courses. Billotti then screens applicants based on their release dates and readiness to use the certification upon returning to their communities.

“I want to make sure that when they leave here, they can immediately use what they’ve learned to find employment and build a better life,” he says.

Each cohort includes up to 15 participants and runs over 10 to 12 weeks, with students spending 12 hours a week in class, Monday through Thursday. The program is based on curriculum developed by the FBOP which allows the facility to use ISSA CPT programming materials to support the certification process. Billotti delivers this curriculum in a classroom setting, supplemented with practical, hands-on experience. 

Learning by Doing: “Live Work” That Builds Real Confidence

One of the most impactful aspects of the program is the required “live work.” To complete certification, students must log between 24 and 48 hours of practical experience, applying what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios within the facility.

“They run wellness classes for other inmates, conduct fitness assessments using the PAR-Q, and even host health fairs,” Billotti says. “They’re not just studying—they’re actively becoming trainers.”

Billotti also draws on his CrossFit background to create meaningful graduation workouts and real-life training simulations. “I have them design and run group fitness classes. It’s important they understand how to modify exercises for different abilities and how to coach—not just instruct,” he explains.

Results That Matter: From Incarceration to Community Impact

Since the program launched in late 2024, two full cohorts have graduated, and the third is currently underway. Out of the initial 30+ enrollees, more than two dozen have completed the program and passed the ISSA CPT exam.

The ripple effects are already being felt.

Billotti has heard through the grapevine that at least one ISSA grad is now working as a personal trainer following his release. 

A Deeper Transformation: Mike Harman’s Journey

For Mike Harman, one of the first men to complete the CPT program at FPC Morgantown, the ISSA certification wasn’t just a step forward—it was a life-altering experience. 

“Getting my CPT has helped remove the stigma,” Mike shared. “People now look at me and go, ‘Hey, you’re a personal trainer,’ instead of, ‘Hey, you’re a felon.’ It’s become part of my identity.”

Since earning his certification, Mike has fully embraced his new identity as a fitness professional and coach. After release, he began working at the local YMCA in Muncie, Indiana, where he leads group fitness classes and mentors others in their wellness journeys. One of his proudest accomplishments is contributing to the Y’s Livestrong program—supporting cancer survivors through safe, structured exercise.

“It’s humbling and rewarding,” Mike says. “To know that I’m helping people recover, rebuild strength, and believe in their own bodies again—that’s the real gift.”

But the benefits of the ISSA certification didn’t end at employment. It gave Mike the structure, purpose, and confidence to reintegrate into his community and family life. Today, he also coaches his son’s sports team, an experience that means more to him than words can express.

“I now coach my son’s team, and being present for him, that’s everything,” Mike shared through tears. “It’s one of the most meaningful parts of my journey, being able to show up, lead by example, and use what I’ve learned to lift others.”

He credits ISSA with giving him more than just skills, it gave him hope.

“ISSA gave me something positive to focus on when everything else was uncertain,” he said. “It gave me the tools to rebuild and the belief that I could.”

More Than an ISSA Certificate

For many of these men, some formerly in finance, healthcare, or other fields where their licenses have been revoked, fitness becomes a new path forward.

“The majority of our population is made up of individuals nearing the end of their sentence,” Billotti notes. “This program gives them the tools to reintegrate with confidence and purpose. Health and wellness are universal and what better time to learn than now?”

Billotti himself is ISSA certified and actively pursuing continuing education in running coach and tactical conditioning. His passion for coaching and personal growth is evident and contagious. “I’m all in. I believe in what we’re doing here. When I see their faces light up after opening that envelope, with their official ISSA certificate, it’s like watching someone unwrap a second chance.”

A Model Worth Replicating

Programs like the one at FPC Morgantown aren’t just about reducing recidivism—they’re about building stronger communities, one person at a time. Through education, accountability, and mentorship, Matt Billotti, ISSA, and men like Mike Harman are proving that the cycle can be broken.

“It’s more than a class,” Billotti reflects. “It’s a launchpad.”

For more information on certifications with ISSA and create similar programming, please reach out to partnerships@issaonline.com. Together, we can make a lasting impact and help countless individuals achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Tami Nealy is the Vice President of Communications at the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), a global leader in online fitness certification. She oversees brand positioning, media relations, and strategic content across ISSA’s portfolio of health and wellness education brands. With more than 20 years of experience in public relations and brand storytelling, Tami specializes in translating industry trends into clear, actionable insights that support aspiring and ISSA-certified personal trainers, health coaches, and nutrition professionals in building successful wellness careers.