1. The Department of Corrections may establish and administer a program of work release under which a person sentenced to a term of imprisonment in an institution of the Department may be granted the privilege of leaving secure custody during necessary and reasonable hours to:
(a) Work in this state at gainful private employment that has been approved by the Director for that purpose.
(b) Obtain in this state additional education, including vocational, technical and general education.
2. The program may also include temporary leave for the purpose of seeking employment in this state.