Central Participates in Second Chance Pell Experiment CMU/DOC Partnership Gives Inmates a Second Chance at Getting a Degree

BY KEAGAN O’RILEY, ’23

First launched by the U.S. Department of Education in 2015, the Second Chance Pell experiment provides need-based Pell Grants to people in state and federal prisons, allowing them to pursue postsecondary education while incarcerated. Colleges and universities selected to take part in the program partner with federal and state penal institutions to enroll incarcerated students in educational and training programs. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, since its implementation, the Second Chance Pell Experiment has enrolled more than 17,000 people, and students have earned more than 4,500 certificates.

Central Methodist University was invited to join the program in spring 2022 and has since made an agreement with the Missouri Department of Corrections to provide inmates with the chance to earn college degrees at five Missouri prisons, including Moberly, Tipton, Boonville, and Algoa correctional centers as well as Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center. Currently, students can pursue a business degree at the associate or bachelor level by taking courses offered through an online learning management system. Students access this online system by using tablets provided to them by the Department of Corrections.

CMU faculty teach and interact with students, answering questions through the learning management system. In addition, staff regularly visit the facilities to hold study halls, advise, and assist with career services.

“Students are eager to learn and are actively engaged in classes,” noted Dr. Rita Gulstad, CMU provost. She further explained that when students commented on their courses, they found the range of classes helped them to realize their goals, to build confidence in themselves, to overcome writing fears, to discover previously unrealized leadership skills, and much more.

Missouri Department of Corrections director Anne Precythe, in her role as president of the national Correctional Leaders Association, has been a vocal advocate for the Second Chance Pell Grant expansion for years and has praised Central’s involvement with the program.

“We are excited to partner with Central Methodist University in expanding higher education access for Missourians involved in the criminal justice system,” said Precythe. “As key components of the reentry process, prison education programs directly advance our broader goal of ensuring better outcomes for people returning to our communities after incarceration, improving their lives, and making Missouri safer.”

Central is one of 200 schools across the country able to participate in this program, which aims to give incarcerated individuals the tools they need for a fresh start upon reentry into society. Postsecondary education programs in prison are proven to reduce the rate of recidivation, with participants 48 percent less likely to recidivate than those who do not. Other benefits of such postsecondary education programs can be seen in increased employment rates and increased wage rates for participants after their release.

Access to education programs like the Second Chance Pell Experiment opens opportunities for incarcerated individuals looking to better themselves and enhances their ability to be productive members of their communities. Not only do these programs increase the employment and wage rates of participants after their release, but prisons with college education programs also tend to report less violence within their walls.

When considering Central’s future involvement in providing these postsecondary opportunities to incarcerated individuals, Gulstad explained that Central will work to keep these opportunities open and available to students.

“With the sunsetting of the Second Chance Pell program,” said Gulstad, “CMU will continue under the new experiment and plans to transition to the new Prison Education Program of the Department of Education.”

Dr. Gil and Ruth Fleer met at Central in 1951 but didn’t begin to date until their second year. Both would live full lives in the service to others through ministry and education. To meet either of them was to have known them always. They were a beloved couple at Central and no doubt anywhere they traveled. Gil passed away in 2020 and Ruth continues to live in Bentonville, Ark. A visit with her is a wonderful reflection on lives well lived. The Fleers held Central close to their hearts and were passionate about the opportunity of education and the impact it provides in one’s life. An opportunity they held so much passion for, they chose to include Central in their estate plans. When asking Ruth if it was okay if we shared their story and planned giving intentions, she immediately replied, “Of course, please do!” Their gift isn’t about them, it is truly about the benefit of another and sharing life opportunities through education.

Deanna Cooper Director

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