A coalition of South Carolina colleges is set to enhance its prison education programs thanks to a $1.3 million grant to support formerly incarcerated students.
The funding, provided by Ascendium, a Wisconsin-based philanthropic organization, will enable Healthy Routines, a nonprofit based in Columbia, to enhance its technical assistance. The South Carolina Coalition for Higher Education in Prison will also receive funding to hire four new academic reintegration coordinators. Institutions like Benedict College, Claflin University, and Voorhees University currently serve more than 200 jailed students throughout many state prisons and are part of this cooperative initiative.
The newly appointed coordinators will be essential in helping students during their incarceration and after they are released from prison. Among their duties will be assisting students in finding housing, developing their employability, and connecting with prospects for more study.
Second Chances
Preventing recidivism is the ultimate objective. According to a recent state Department of Corrections report, 17% of South Carolina offenders return to jail within three years, highlighting the urgency of these initiatives. The coalition’s programs give incarcerated students a crucial “second chance” following their convictions and the opportunity to earn associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.
“This partnership will enable our scholars to continue their academic journeys post-release and make meaningful contributions to our community and to our world,” said Roslyn Clark Artis, president of Benedict College.
The expansion of Denmark Technical College’s classes at Allendale Correctional Center from five students in 2021 to eighteen students, with many more interested, is one noteworthy success story. Students who earn associate degrees in business, technology, and science do so in full academic regalia.
“Our goal is to help our students find their highest and truest selves,” said Denmark Tech President Willie Todd.
This investment is a major step forward for the South Carolina Coalition for Higher Education in Prison, which strives to improve the lives of inmates permanently.
This article sources information from Benedict College.