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College is Possible! -- Scholars in Residence
Program
Increasingly aware of the importance of higher
education as a means to reduce crime and
recidivism, HAP has begun collaboration with
professors and students at Princeton University
towards the creation of a college level program.
Although this initiative cannot yet provide
accreditation, we see it as a first step towards
the possible formation of a consortium capable
of recognizing the educational efforts of inmate
participants. The purpose of the Scholars in
Residence Program is to reproduce with as much
precision as possible a college environment,
respectful of prisoners’ intellectual capacities
and potential.
Since the summer of 2003, five courses have been
informally but successfully offered under this
program. Each course has been attended by 12
prisoners. Bruce Western (sociology, Princeton
University) has taught two seminars: "Crime,
Punishment, and economic change in the U.S." and
"Prisons in a Historical Perspective." He will
offer a third course during the summer of 2004.
Patricia Fernández-Kelly (sociology, Princeton
University) has regularly held work study
meetings on "Race and Ethnicity in America" and
"Immigration and immigration policy in the U.S."
Currently, the program is hosting Professors
Stacy Connaughton (Rutgers University) and Tyler
Harrison (Kean University) who are teaching a
new course on "Communication Skills."
Contrary to a popular misapprehension, many
prisoners make constant efforts towards self
improvement and educational progress. Reputable
studies show a strong connection between higher
education and lowered recidivism levels. Yet
since the elimination of Pell grants for
prisoners in 1994, inmates have had few if any
resources to fulfill academic aspirations. The
HAP – Princeton University collaboration is an
attempt to fill that gap.
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