ST. LOUIS — An inaugural “Second Chance College Fair” for formerly incarcerated people interested in pursuing a college degree will be held Thursday, Oct. 20, from 5-8 p.m. at St. Louis University (SLU).
The event is sponsored by SLU’s Prison Education Program and will be held at IL Monastero, 350 Olive Boulevard, according to a press release.
“One of our goals this year is to enhance our community engagement,” said Julie O'Heir, program director. “It’s also an opportunity for colleges and universities to think about formerly incarcerated individuals as a potential student market.”
Attendees will have a chance to explore programs at SLU, St. Louis Community College, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Harris-Stowe State University, and Washington University in St. Louis.
SLU’s Prison Education Program consists of an on-site, fully accredited Associate of Arts degree program for incarcerated individuals and prison staff, a Prison Arts and Education Program, and a college Preparatory Program, according to the press release.
“Our students are more likely to be first-generation college students,” O’Heir said. “Often, this is their first opportunity to experience a high-quality education.”
Every four years, the program enrolls 40 students, 20 incarcerated people and 20 Department of Corrections employees, that includes for-credit courses through SLU’s College of Arts and Sciences, and non-credit educational experiences.
“The students receive the same instruction, in the same classes and from the same faculty members as students enrolled on SLU’s St. Louis campus,” the press release states.
A small number of SLU faculty first taught theological studies to 15 incarcerated men at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre, Missouri, almost 15 years ago.
Three years later in 2011, SLU began offering a fully accredited Associate of Arts degree to incarcerated people and prison employees, as well as founded the Prison Arts and Education Program, followed by the College Preparatory Program in 2016, according to the press release.
“The first cohort of students — 23 incarcerated men and prison staff — earned their associate degrees in 2015. A special graduation ceremony was held at the prison, where University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., delivered remarks. Prison staff graduates were invited to participate in SLU’s midyear commencement exercises,” the press release states.
For more information about SLU’s Prison Education Program, click here.
