CHAMPAIGN — The spring semester kicked off at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on Tuesday. For Mike Pierce, a master’s student in the College of Education, this moment is extra special. Education has transformed his life.
“My past struggles, particularly during my younger years, stemmed from feeling isolated and unable to communicate with others,” he shared. “Education has changed that.”
Pierce spent over 20 years in prison, where he enrolled in college courses through the Education Justice Project. Last year, he became its first alum to enter a degree program at U of I, despite challenges faced by others with criminal records. According to the EJP, many applicants struggle to gain acceptance due to their past. Ashton Klekamp, the project’s Policy and Research Director, pointed out that applicants often face additional scrutiny and can have their acceptances revoked after the fact.
“It’s frustrating to see students accepted based on their application merits, only to have that reversed later on,” Klekamp said.
University spokesperson Pat Wade noted that applicants with minor, nonviolent convictions can be cleared swiftly, while more serious cases require thorough review. He emphasized the university’s commitment to providing opportunities for students with incarceration experiences.
Pierce initially faced denial but appealed, leading to his acceptance into U of I’s Curriculum and Instruction online master’s program a year ago. He’s excited again this January for his acceptance into the PhD program.
In a conversation with Emily Hays, Pierce shared his inspiring journey. “Education has opened my mind and helped me connect with the world,” he explained. “The people who supported me — professors, friends, and mentors — played crucial roles in my educational journey.”
Pierce’s path to higher learning wasn’t easy. He was a high school dropout with a tumultuous past, initially pursuing education more as a way to spend time with family in prison than out of genuine interest. However, it ignited a passion for learning. “Being in the classroom made me realize the value of education,” he said.
His older brother, who also spent time in prison, didn’t follow the same educational route. This highlights a troubling statistic: only about 5% of inmates who pursue education while incarcerated continue their studies after release. Factors like poverty, mental health, and systemic barriers can impact these decisions.
Pierce grew up in Walnut Hill, a small, tight-knit community in Southern Illinois. He recalls life there as challenging and marked by poverty, with limited resources and community support. Reflecting on those times, he emphasized, “If there had been more support in the community, my life might have taken a different turn.”
Today, he aims to create higher education programs specifically for incarcerated individuals. With 240 college credits to his name, he wants to remove the barriers others face in accessing education while in prison. “Many of my peers refuse to graduate to stay in the academic environment,” he revealed.
Pierce believes Illinois could benefit from initiatives where former inmates teach current inmates, sharing their knowledge while earning a living wage. “It would be a game changer for educational programming in prisons,” he stated.
As someone who has directly faced systemic challenges, Pierce is committed to helping others navigate these obstacles. He recognizes that many share similar struggles, regardless of their backgrounds.
“I may not be able to rewind time,” he said, “but I can make my future meaningful and contribute positively to others’ lives.”
Pierce’s story is a testament to the power of education and resilience. His journey highlights the importance of transformation and support in overcoming challenges, proving that it is never too late to learn and grow.
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