Lewis, Dept. Of Corrections Launch New Prison Education Program

ROMEOVILLE, IL — With the start of its spring semester, Lewis University began a new program inside Sheridan Correctional Center, according to a release from the Illinois Department of Corrections.

19 students are part of the initial cohort of Lewis University Prison Education Program receiving Second Chance Pell grants. The program is the second "second chance Pell experimental site" in Illinois, according to a release. Augustana College in East Moline Correctional Center was the first site last fall.

The Second Chance Pell Initiative enables people in custody to participate in post-secondary education programs with Pell grant funding, according to a news release. Lewis University was one of 73 institutions approved in April 2022 by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Second Chance Pell Grant Experiment, bringing the total number to 200 institutions participating nationally.

The Illinois Department of Corrections continues to work with Illinois stakeholders and national experts to prepare for full Pell restoration in summer 2023.

“IDOC is proud to expand its growing list of college partners with the Lewis University Prison Education Program at Sheridan Correctional Center. The launch of this new program will not only provide high-quality education to another cohort of students – but marks a second ‘Second Chance Pell Experimental Site’ in Illinois as we prepare for full Pell restoration later this year,” Rob Jeffreys, Director of IDOC, said in a release.

The students will have the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies, according to a news release. The flexible degree program is tailored to help students develop their professional skills. Faculty will travel from the main campus in Romeoville to Sheridan Correctional Center to instruct students on coursework.

“A college degree is the most beneficial factor in social mobilization,” Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom, Lewis University Director of Prison Education Program, said in a release. “Educational programs in prisons contribute to the quality of life in prison not only for students enrolled but for others inside the prison. Importantly, college graduates interrupt cycles of poverty and other social determinants that negatively impact so many incarcerated persons and their loved ones.”

“We’re proud to be in this program that will help incarcerated individuals obtain a high-quality, postsecondary education, which upon their release from prison, can lead to meaningful job opportunities, reduce the recidivism rate and make our communities safer,” said Dr. David Livingston, president of Lewis University. “This program aligns with our Lasallian Mission of offering access to education and advocacy for social justice.”