Bowie State University is expanding its program that enables inmates to earn college degrees, offering incarcerated individuals a second chance for self-improvement.
Inmates at Jessup Correctional Institution are participating in this program, allowing them to pursue bachelor's degrees. The initiative has proven transformative for these individuals, encouraging them to read, write, and embrace education. Tuition and fees are covered by federal Second Chance Pell Grants, and the program is now growing from its initial nine students to 24.
This opportunity has empowered participants like Jermain Williams and Timothy Hawkins to improve themselves and envision a better future beyond their past mistakes.
The courses are primarily conducted within the prison's library, and Bowie State's educators find the process rewarding and enlightening. The commitment to education and personal growth through this program has shown promise in reducing recidivism rates, as evidenced by a study from the RAND Corporation indicating a 43% decrease in the likelihood of reincarceration for inmates engaged in prison education initiatives.
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Source: NBC 4