Dec. 15, 2021 9:45p
(WGTD)---A program to offer state prison inmates greater access to the University of Wisconsin was unveiled at UW-Parkside Wednesday. Representatives from the UW and the state departments of Corrections and Workforce Development joined Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford in the school’s library.
They announced that the two-year, statewide program will be financed by a $5.6 million state grant.
"The University of Wisconsin system identified that many people who leave our Department of Corrections often return within 3 years," said Amy Pechacek, Secretary-Designee of Workforce Development. "This occurs because those who are released often times lack the skills that would lead to a stable career path," she said.
According to Peter Moreno, director of an inmate program in Madison, the Corrections Dept. already does a good job of funneling those inmates who lack a high school diploma into high school equivalency courses. He also noted that the state's technical colleges offer a variety of programs that are available to prison inmates. "But we need more degree and certificate options across the board," Moreno said in an interview following the formal program announcement.
Details of the new prison program are still being worked out, but inmate access to the UW is expected to come via online courses as well as through classes taught within the prison walls. A bit more problematic would be holding classes for inmates beyond prison confines, but that wasn't ruled out Wednesday.
Kevin Carr is Secretary of the Dept. of Corrections. "As Nelson Mandela once said, education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," Carr said. "Through this collaboration, we have the potential to reduce Wisconsin's disparities in education, income and incarceration while simultaneously improving our communities by tacking workforce shortages head-on," he said.
Moreno and others who spoke at the announcement indicated that a driving forces behind the new program is Interim UW President Tommy Thompson.
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