MADISON, Wis.— The Universities of Wisconsin system has awarded its first bachelor’s degrees to incarcerated students in more than 50 years through a statewide prison education initiative.
The program, launched in 2022 through a $5.7 million dollar Workforce Innovation Grant, partners the UW System with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections to expand higher education opportunities inside state prisons.
“Education can have a powerful impact on lives,” DOC Secretary Jared Hoy said. “That’s especially true in a prison environment. These students aren’t just preparing for a career. They are learning how to contribute positively to society. The average incarceration in Wisconsin is less than three years. These individuals will quickly have the opportunity to put their education to work and help move Wisconsin forward.”
State officials say more than 200 incarcerated students have already earned associate degrees or other credentials aimed at improving employment opportunities after release and reducing repeat offenses…