PEORIA, Ill. – A first in the nation program will give a pathway for inmates at the Pekin Federal Correctional Institute a chance at a college education.
Illinois Central College announced Thursday a partnership with the prison and the U.S. Department of Education, to use federal Pell Grants to provide that education. Those inmates who enroll in the program will get the chance to earn a business certificate, which could lead the way to entry level work.
ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey praised all parties involved in the partnership.
“They believe as much as we do that completing these college courses and earning credentials allows these students to dream, and achieve, and change the trajectory of their life,” Quirk-Bailey said.
The college says 33 people are currently enrolled. The programs include a business specialist certificate, and an associate degree in applied science – business.
In order to be eligible for the program, the prison must approve the individual to take the classes. The person also submit FASFA applications and confirm eligibility for the Pell Grants, submit evidence of a high school diploma or GED to the prison, and any college transcripts to ICC, if any credits are to be transferred.
The college will provide services such as course placement, orientation, disability accommodations, financial aid, tutoring, career counseling, and mental health support.
Doctor Elizabeth Godinez is a faculty member at the prison, and says she can relate to her students.
“I have struggled to find employment at different times because I did not have the right college degree right after high school, I went right into the workforce. I was married very young. So I can absolutely appreciate and respect a lot of the stories they have shared with me,” Godinez said.
Godinez says one of the reasons she took the position is how education changed her life, and to give people the opportunities that were given to her.
Dr. Amy Loyd is the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the Department of Education. She says the partnership and program can show the dreams of those incarcerated are still valid.
“They told us their stories, their life stories of how they offend, how they reoffended, they are owning their past,” Loyd said. “And while you can not change your past, you can build your future.”
Loyd says in speaking with some of the inmates, some of them dreamed of being nurses or IT specialists. She adds the program can also provide pride and dignity for the inmates.
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