Friday, March 15, 2024
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) has partnered with Southeast Community College (SCC) to expand higher education access to people incarcerated in five southeast Nebraska facilities/locations. SCC enrolled 229 people who are incarcerated for the 2024 spring semester, and more than 30 SCC faculty are teaching on-site and revising courses to meet security needs.
“People who are incarcerated who participate in correctional education programs are 43% less likely to return to prison within three years, and these odds decrease as they achieve higher levels of education,” said NDCS Director Rob Jeffreys. “This partnership with SCC brings a wealth of knowledge inside our walls and gives students the tools—and hope—to envision and work toward a future.”
In July 2023, the Department of Education reinstated Federal Pell Grant eligibility to people who are incarcerated, paving the way for SCC to create a Prison Education Program (PEP). While waiting for approval to become a Pell-funded PEP, SCC has begun offering courses to people who are incarcerated using alternative funding.
“Partnering with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services to provide access to higher education and vocational training is an honor and privilege,” said Amy Doty, dean of correctional education at SCC. “We could not be more excited about the opportunity to empower and transform justice-involved students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary for personal growth and successful reentry into their communities and workforce.”