At Lincoln South Rotary Club, we heard about the Upward PEP Program on February 16, 2024 from speaker Amy Doty.
Amy opened her presentation:
Unlocking
Potential
With
Academic
Resources and
Development
PEP stands for Prison Education Program.
This is a Southeast Community College (SCC) program that has a mission and vision statement that are aligned with the overall mission and vision of SCC.They have a goal goal to meet the needs of individuals that are unserved or underserved - to take education to spaces and people where they were not previously available.
Mission Statement:
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 through the UPWARD program's comprehensive educational and developmental initiatives.
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 through the UPWARD program's comprehensive educational and developmental initiatives.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to create a community where every student, regardless of their past, has the chance to rise above their circumstances. We envision the UPWARD program as a source of hope and transformation, equipping participants with the tools and mindset needed to break the cycle of involvement in the justice system and engage with their families, communities, and workforce in meaningful ways.
Our vision is to create a community where every student, regardless of their past, has the chance to rise above their circumstances. We envision the UPWARD program as a source of hope and transformation, equipping participants with the tools and mindset needed to break the cycle of involvement in the justice system and engage with their families, communities, and workforce in meaningful ways.
SCC is taking the program to the participants - most of whom are not able to come to SCC facilities. The program is currently serving residents in:
- Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP)
- Community Corrections Center (CCCL)
- Reception & Treatment Center (RTC)
- Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW)
- Center for People (CFP) - they are serving underserved; have a reentry program
They have started by offering the Associate in Arts which is a 2-year program. This is a popular program for many SCC students - they start their studies unsure of their final focus for their studies.
They determined what educational program to provide after asking the participants what they wanted. They also considered the spaces available for the sessions. And, also wanted to focus on current open careers. Consideration is given to H3 Occupations - High Wage, High Demand, High Skill. What is the workforce demand and are they offering competitive wages?
Amy shared that the current program has been on a fast track! The Pell grant program was previously not continually available to incarcerated individuals. But in July of 2023 it opened back up. And, SCC immediately put plans in place. They did not want to take a year to develop the program which is typical of new offerings. They knew sooner would be better - that these individuals needed and deserved to immediately get into the education if they were to be prepared to reenter the workforce upon their release from prison.
The entire college went to work. It took all departments from admissions to IT to financial aid. Amy pointed out that none of this could have happened without the support and investment of the SCC Board of Governors, Administrators, Staff, and Faculty.
They sent out a single flyer to gauge the interest and got 400 inquiries. The majority of the applicants tested were at a college-ready level. Those that needed specialized training would receive it - nobody was turned away.
An important part of developing this program was to be sure that the participants would truly be ready to reenter society. While working with corrections they were able to upgrade technology so that the participants could become tech-savvy.
Amy shared why this is important - to provide this education to this community of individuals. She shared quotes from research and statistics:
education can change thinking, encourage pro-social behavior, increase employment, and reduce recidivism
- Individuals who participate in education while incarcerated are 43% less likely to recidivate upon reentry
- Of those participating in classes such as this, 13% are more likely to get employed shortly upon reentry
- For every $1 invested in prison postsecondary education programs, there is a $4-5 reduction in incarceration costs (approximately $365.8M/year) during the first 3 years post-release of a prisoner.
- Correctional facilities with college programs have less violence among incarcerated individuals, which creates a safer environment for both incarcerated individuals and prison staff
- Nebraska could see a $1M cost savings annually if 50% of the currently incarcerated population participate in post-secondary education.
Students were obviously grateful for the opportunity, and their comments included:
"Am I really a college student now?"
"Do I get to take classes no matter how I do on this test?"
"This is the biggest achievement since my daughter."
"Please don't forget about us.“
"Do I get to take classes no matter how I do on this test?"
"This is the biggest achievement since my daughter."
"Please don't forget about us.“
"Are you coming back tomorrow?"
Teachers had positive comments about their experience teaching in this environment:
- It has been an experience I will cherish, and an opportunity that will never be lost on me to be there and to teach.
- The students are eternally grateful. After each class, there is a receiving line to thank me for being there and to thank me for caring. Students are relishing the opportunity to take classes, and excited by all the possibilities SCC classes open up for them for their futures.
- Eager students who are willing to do what they need to to be there and do the work. I'm learning so much. On a personal level, this has been one of the most fun experiences that I have had in my teaching career.
As Amy stated - the big why:
With decreased recidivism and increased employment, our communities are improved through enhanced public safety, restored family connections, and breaking the cycle of generational incarceration.
BIO:
Amy Doty is an engaged leader and advocate committed to breaking barriers and creating access to the transformative power of higher education for system-impacted individuals within correctional facilities. She is experienced in launching the development, implementation, and expansion of a Prison Education Program (PEP), ensuring equitable opportunities for personal growth and education. She is passionate about her role bringing education to learners whenever and wherever they may need access to higher education programs, support, instruction, feedback, guidance, and encouragement, in alignment with the student-centered paradigm of practice.