Two City University of New York (CUNY) schools are joining to do something good for incarcerated students.
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, have created a degree-granting, Prison-to-College Pathways program (P2CP). The program is for incarcerated students at the Otisville Correctional Facility in upstate New York.
According to the school’s website, students in the program will be on track to obtain an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts at BMCC. P2CP is the only CUNY College-in-Prison awarding undergraduate degrees in a New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision facility.
BMCC President, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe said, “Education is a powerful and transformative tool for social change.” He continued, “By expanding Prison to College Pathways (P2CP) into a degree-granting program, we are not only enhancing the educational opportunities available to our students, we are also alleviating barriers that have historically marginalized justice-impacted individuals. Offering a degree pathway that is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our diverse student body will create opportunities for advancement and success that can help break the cycle of poverty by fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstance, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our society.”
Karol Mason, President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice added, “At John Jay College, we believe in the transformative power of education for all, and the Prison-to-College Pathways program is a testament to that belief. By offering incarcerated students the opportunity to earn an associate degree, we are providing them with a vital chance to rebuild their lives, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to our communities. This partnership with BMCC marks a significant step toward justice and equity, ensuring that no one is defined solely by their past but is empowered to shape their future.”
The colleges’ respective presidents made the announcement in May 2023. The purpose of this program is to ensure that the “Prison-to-College Pathways students are able to return home after their release with real options for continuing their education and finding meaningful employment.”