Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison Press Conference at the Virginia Department of Corrections
[RICHMOND, VA] — [07/01/2024] Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison, an initiative of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, was pleased to hold a press conference to mark the one-year anniversary of reinstatement of federal Pell grant eligibility for people who are incarcerated. The speakers reflected on the progress and partnerships made and challenges addressed in the first year, while casting a vision ahead for increasing access to college opportunities for Virginians behind bars. The press conference was hosted by the Virginia Department of Corrections at its headquarters.
Representatives from academia, corrections, faith and justice-impacted communities, and non-profit organizations gathered for the event.
Dr. David Doré- Chancellor, Virginia Community College System
“Second Chance Pell is a transformative and invaluable program that helps incarcerated people gain the skills they need to succeed once they re-enter society. Four of our colleges serve people in Virginia correctional facilities using Pell Grants. Several additional VCCS colleges have applied to offer Second Chance Pell under the new Pell expansion and are awaiting approval. Altogether, our colleges serve about 500 people in ten Virginia prisons, and we look forward to further collaboration with the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy to broaden awareness and enrollment in Prison Education Programs.”
Chadwick Dotson- Director, Virginia Department of Corrections
“The Virginia Department of Corrections ensures long-term public safety through effective incarceration, supervision, and evidence-based reentry services. Our impressive variety of resources includes correctional education. We are proud of our inmates and supervisees who are eager to learn and work towards effective reentry. Pell grants help to provide them with many exciting college opportunities outside of the VADOC that might have otherwise been unavailable.”
Darryl Byers-Robinson- Higher Education in Prison Organizer, Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison
“I believe in the renewable abilities of human beings and the persistent availability of change. Higher education in prison was a vehicle that I used to get to a place of change. The transformative power of education is not weaker in carceral settings than outside. Instead, its power is amplified as a catalyst and fuel for change and post-release success.”
In addition to presidents and academic leaders from community colleges, key academic officers from four-year institutions currently engaged in preparing Prison Education Programs (PEPs) for bachelor’s degrees were in attendance and provide their perspectives:
Dr. Scott Miller- President, Virginia Wesleyan University
“Virginia Wesleyan is thrilled to participate in the Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison. Extensive research shows the critical importance of providing education to incarcerated individuals. Earning a bachelor’s degree significantly reduces recidivism rates and enhances the prospects for returning citizens to improve their lives. This positive impact extends to their families, as the economic opportunities afforded to college graduates lead to better overall outcomes.”
Dr. Melissa Lubin- Dean of Professional and Continuing Studies, University of Virginia “UVA’s 2030 Strategic Plan calls for greater accessibility to degree completion, and as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s flagship institution, we have a responsibility to offer high quality education for those who seek it. Building upon Piedmont Virginia Community College’s associate degree by creating a pathway to a bachelor’s degree, we can expand higher education opportunities in prison for incarcerated students and transform lives through education.
About Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison: The Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison is an initiative of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. It engages stakeholders across the Commonwealth, from a variety of sectors–corrections, higher education, justice-impacted, faith, business/employers, and public officials, in a process of consensus-building and strategic planning to broaden access to degree-bearing, college opportunities for incarcerated individuals in Virginia. The initiative is generously supported by the Ascendium Education Group, a national philanthropic leader focused on expanding access to secondary education in prisons.
About Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy: Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) is a multi-faith, nonprofit, non-partisan organization with a statewide base that includes over 20,000 people of faith and good will in every legislative district in Virginia, working together with hope for and focus on a more just society.