“He who opens a school door closes a prison.” - VICTOR HUGO
IMPORTANT DATES Jan. 9, 2019 is the last day for Winter 2019 registration Winter Semester: First day of classes, Jan. 14, 2019 Mid-semester Break: March 11-17, 2019 End of Winter Semester: May 5, 2019 Payment Dates: Jan. 3, Feb. 6 and March 15, 2019 Spring 2019 Registration: Feb. 11-22, 2019 Spring Semester: First day of classes, May 30, 2019
For more information: PEI Office Jackson College Bert Walker Hall room 130 Jackson, MI 49201 517.796.8413
www.jccmi.edu/pei
WINTER 2019 ISSUE 1 | VOLUME 1
PRISON EDUCATION INITIATIVE @ JACKSON COLLEGE
Writing Fellows Among the opportunities offered incarcerated students in the PEI is the Writing Fellows Program. Students are nominated by instructors for their strong writing skills and observed willingness to be of assistance to their peers. Each student submits writing samples and undergoes an interview process. Ten students are chosen, and they receive a full scholarship for English 201, Advanced Composition, plus books. In addition, they are trained to be peer tutors. The students attend English 201 fall semester of the academic year, and a Writing Fellows lab occurs weekly throughout fall, winter and spring semesters, which any PEI
student can sign up to attend and receive tutoring. Serving as a Writing Fellow enhances university and employment applications and serves to build personal confidence along with writing and communication skills. The director of the program, Sandra Schultz, teaches the English 201 class and trains the students in tutoring.
Men of Merit Leadership Initiative Men of Merit is a leadership initiative for Jackson College students, focusing on developing strong leadership skills in the increasingly diverse 21st century. During the summer of 2017, a new Men of Merit initiative was launched
to our prison population in an effort to increase student engagement, retention and leadership skills. The Men of Merit has had over the four modules taught, 100-plus men at Cooper Street Correctional Facility participating in the program. Men of Merit Mission Statement: Jackson College Men of Merit is a service and leadership initiative whose mission is to inspire members to stay in college, advance academically, serve their community and become the men they dream to be.
Awards Conferred
FL15
AA-Associate in Arts
FL16 SP16 WN16 FL17 SP17 WN1 WN18
1
AAS-Business Administration AGS-Associate in General Studies
1
1
4
1
4
1
1
4
TOTAL
3
9
4
7
10
4
31
Certificate-Business Administration
4
2
6 72
AS-Associate in Science
1
Certificate-General Education
1
Certificate-General Transfer
50
22
GRAND TOTAL
53
26
Skill Set-Computer Service Technician 1
2
About PEI Jackson College has educated incarcerated students through the Michigan Department of Corrections since 2012. The Program helps incarcerated students build new lives through education. There are currently has more than 700 students enrolled at seven state facilities, including the women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, “What I love about working with PEI students is witnessing their unbelievable motivation to succeed and their willingness to take educational leaps outside of their comfort zones. Playing a small role in supplying some of the tools they need to build their lives outside of incarceration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career up until this point.” JENNA GERDS ENGLISH LEARNING FACILITATOR
and one federal facility. PEI offers incarcerated students an opportunity to earn college credits or a General Transfer Certificate, a Business Administration Certificate, Business Administration Associate in Applied Science, Associate of Arts, and/or an Associate in General Studies. “The goal of rehabilitation is to prepare for a career or a trade so incarcerated students are employable and marketable and can give back to society when they are released,” said PEI Director Bobby Beauchamp. Incarcerated students participate in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and many incarcerated students have been recognized on the Dean’s List. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Men of Merit student organization. Over the last two years, PEI has had nearly 130 students complete a degree or certificate program.
86 9
98
12
9
1 1
86
210
“My experience with PEI has been great. When I started teaching, it was my first time behind the wall. I’ve been teaching for about 2.5 years. I have taught FYS 110 and FYS 131 at Gus Harrison on the South and North side. I’ve learned and grown so much as an instructor due to this experience. It has helped me in teaching SEM 140 by adding another lens to areas.” THOMAS LARGENT PEI INSTRUCTOR
Mission Statement: To provide educational opportunities for incarcerated students by helping them to identify and achieve their goals. Vision: PEI equips students with the essential life skills necessary for positive reentry, life success, and sustainability through higher education.