SALT LAKE CITY — This year, a record number of inmates at the Utah Correctional Facility earned degrees from Salt Lake Community College's prison education program.
“We had 31 students earn an associate's degree and three students earn a general education transfer certificate,” said Chris Bradbury, SLCC's prison education coordinator.
Inmate students who participated in the program earned associate degrees in anthropology, criminal justice, and general studies.
SLCC's Prison Education Program allows inmates to enroll in and take courses while incarcerated.
“We have over 40 faculty members who go inside and teach.” [our currently incarcerated students] Face to face. We work with them to help them succeed and achieve their academic dreams,” Bradbury said.
Salt Lake Community College began its prison education program in 2017, according to its website. This program was funded by the Utah State Legislature.
“Students register to attend college just like they would on any other campus,” Bradberry said. “They take classes inside the prison.”
Bradbury said many tears were shed at Monday's graduation ceremony. He described the ceremony as a “transformative experience.”
“It means a lot to them,” he said. “At graduation, one of our student speakers stood up and talked about how this is helping them keep their promises to their children. [the students] Putting them in prison doesn't define who they are, but so they can know that they can change their lives and be successful. ”
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KSL NewsRadio's Emma Keddington contributed to this article.