SLCC’s Prison Education Program helps inmates earn degrees

In a heartwarming ceremony at the Utah State Correctional Facility, a record number of inmates celebrated a significant milestone as they received their degrees from Salt Lake Community College’s Prison Education Program. This year, 31 students earned associate’s degrees, while three students received general education transfer certificates, marking a remarkable achievement for the program.

Chris Bradbury, the prison education coordinator at SLCC, expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, highlighting the diverse range of degrees obtained in fields such as anthropology, criminal justice, and General Studies. The program, which allows inmates to attend courses while incarcerated, has been instrumental in providing educational opportunities and fostering personal growth among the student population.

Since its inception in 2017, the Prison Education Program has been supported by the Utah Legislature and has continued to make a positive impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals. Bradbury emphasized the emotional significance of the graduation ceremony, noting the tears shed and the transformative experience it represented for the students.

One student speaker shared a poignant message about how the education they received was helping them fulfill their promises to their children and redefine their future beyond their past mistakes. The program’s success serves as a testament to the power of education in empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives.

As the graduates look towards a brighter future, the Prison Education Program stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for those seeking to turn their lives around and pursue academic success.