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“The high rate of incarceration in the United States is one of our society’s greatest failures. Offering higher education to those imprisoned opens the door to the possibility of a productive future and, ultimately, makes ours a more just and democratic nation.”
George Soros Chairman, Open Society Institute “Educating the incarcerated is not an exercise in futility, nor is it a gift to the undeserving. It is a practical and necessary safeguard to insure that those who have found themselves without the proper resources to succeed have these needs met before they are released. It is a gift to ourselves and to our children, a gift of both compassion and peace of mind. We are not turning the other cheek to those who have hurt us. We are taking their hands and filling them with learning so that they can’t strike us again.” Janice Grieshaber Executive Director, The Jenna Foundation for Non-Violence “Given the relatively small baseline of funding for the College Bound program, the ‘bang for the buck’ in terms of the dramatic post-release outcomes is quite significant.” Michael Jacobson Professor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Former Commissioner of the NYC Department of Corrections “It’s our responsibility as leaders of higher education institutions to ensure that access to education is within everyone’s reach. My experience with the College Bound Program that provides baccalaureate level education opportunities to the women in Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, confirms my belief not only in the power of education to change lives, but also in the power that can be brought to bear when diverse education institutions come together to do something they know is essential, important and right!” Regina S. Peruggi President, Central Park Conservatory Former President Marymount Manhattan College “As the parent of a murdered son, I would not have seen myself advocating for the prison community, until I studied this reasonable idea, of positive societal behavior to be accomplished by education. I have seen it work and I believe in it. Changing Minds? It happens!” Ralph H. Hubbard Victim Advocate “Women enter prison from among the most marginalized sectors in our society. Usually poor women of color, they are survivors of adult violence as well as childhood physical and sexual abuse, and experience much higher rates of mental illness, AIDs, and other illness than the general population. Changing Minds demonstrates that despite these incredible disadvantages, when presented with a genuine opportunity to learn, these same women can and will reinvent their own lives, spirits, and futures. And it is not only their own futures that are at stake: 75% of women in New York State are mothers of over 6000 children. The positive generational impact of higher education in prison is nothing less than staggering. Simply put: everybody wins.” Julie F. Kowitz Chair, Coalition for Women Prisoners Director, Women in Prison Project |
“Having had 2 children and a brother murdered, I have several reasons to be concerned about justice and the correctional system. While I certainly believe people must be appropriately punished for their crimes, there is no rehabilitation without education. Higher education for inmates will never bring my children or my brother back, but hopefully it will prevent further violence.” Allen Mohammed Father of two children lost to violent crime “Crime ravages the human. Education empowers the soul.” Camille O. Cosby, Ed.D “Clearly education is one really powerful means of preparing inmates for a responsible return to society… Through my work at Sing-Sing, I have experienced how powerful a factor colleges have been in maintaining the peace and well being of the prison.” George W. Webber Professor of Urban Ministry President Emeritus, New York Theological Seminary “From a business perspective, higher education in prison is a good investment! The ex-offender gains the knowledge, attitudes and skills to earn a decent living upon release. Society benefits from the productivity of a taxpaying citizen and significantly reduced crime and reincarceration rates.” Gerard A. McCallion President S.B. Cantor Co., Inc. Investment Bankers “Changing Minds leaves no doubt that an investment in higher education is the most effective way to reduce reincarceration rates, reduce crime, and lessen the taxpayers burdens. This is a must read for professionals and citizens alike — for everyone who wants to see the dead end spiral of the so-called corrections industry reversed.” Augusta Kappner President, Bank Street College “Changing Minds serves to confirm the truth of the adage that ‘the right thing to do is also the smart thing to do.’ Education for inmates is reformative for the individual students and at the same time utilitarian for society and economically prudent. The report is both impressive and compelling." Roger Bowen President and Professor of Political Science at The University of New Paltz. “This important and welcomed study of college in prison gives us a new perspective on the ramifications of education and democracy. The foundation of our democracy is a belief in the ability of diversity to strengthen our unity. We must understand and accept the rights of individuals, groups, and their potential to contribute to the larger community and the nation. Understanding and acceptance, in turn, require knowledge and knowledge requires knowing not only other people’s history but also our heritage and what makes a nation.” Vartan Gregorian President, Carnegie Corporation of New York |
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