Currently, about 1.8 million people are incarcerated in the U.S. Sadly, fewer than 5% will earn a college degree. This creates a difficult situation for many when they try to find work and build financial stability after their release.
The Boston College Prison Education Program (BCPEP) is changing this narrative, offering inmates a chance to get a liberal arts education. Located at MCI-Shirley, a medium-security prison in Massachusetts, the program allows students to continue their education at Boston College after they finish their sentences.
For participants like Nurudeen Alabi, the program has been life-changing. He describes the experience as transformative, noting, “When you find someone who doesn’t judge you and tries to teach you, it can change your life.”
Since its start in 2019, BCPEP has expanded significantly. Patrick Filipe Conway, the program director, highlights this growth. “We began with just four courses. Now we offer eleven courses each semester,” he says.
Enrollment has surged from 16 students in the first cohort to 80 students currently participating. Conway believes the program focuses on providing a meaningful educational experience, stating, “It’s a Boston College program that happens to be inside a prison.”
Students like Alabi find the classes eye-opening. His philosophy course expanded his view of the world and allowed him to explore different perspectives. “It exposed me to new ways of thinking,” he shares.
Conway sees the program as a rare opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. He emphasizes the role of Boston College faculty, who bring a high level of expertise to the classes. Fellow student Demetrius Goshen appreciates this depth, noting that the professors encourage students to share their personal experiences.
On September 23, BCPEP celebrated a major milestone with its first-ever graduation ceremony, featuring a brass band and a guest speaker from the Patriots. Students like Goshen felt the significance of the event, recognizing it as a testament to hard work and determination.
This graduation not only celebrated student achievements but also raised awareness about the importance of education in transforming lives. Alabi expressed hope that it would inspire others who may not see education as a path to improvement.
This spring, BCPEP will also celebrate its first graduate on campus, further marking its growth and success. “It’s exciting to see more students follow in his footsteps,” Conway remarks.
However, replicating this success in other prisons can be challenging. Goshen mentions that navigating prison systems often involves overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, making participation difficult. Moreover, reentering society poses its own set of challenges, including finding housing and jobs.
Despite these obstacles, participants are determined to prove the stereotypes wrong. Alabi insists that they want to earn their success through hard work, saying, “We don’t want handouts; we’re prepared to fight for our place.”
Conway acknowledges that support for former inmates is crucial. Many struggle to adjust after incarceration, facing stigma and practical challenges. “We aim to provide a comprehensive approach to help with not just education but life after prison,” he explains.
Changes in students’ lives inspire Conway and the team at BCPEP to keep pushing forward. The feedback they receive from participants and their families highlights the positive reach of the program. “I often hear how much impact this has on their futures,” he says, underscoring the transformative power of education.
In the face of challenges, BCPEP remains committed to nurturing hope and providing a path toward success for its students. They are not just earning degrees; they are reshaping their futures and breaking down barriers.
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