Cursory: The Yale Prison Education Initiative, a collaboration between Yale University and the University of New Haven, has produced its first seven graduates among imprisoned individuals in New Haven, Connecticut. The program offers college credit courses and has enrolled a total of 70 students, allowing for the granting of associate degrees in General Studies. Alpha Jalloh, the graduate with the highest GPA, spoke of the program’s transformative impact on his life and the lives of his fellow students.
In New Haven, Connecticut, a notable accomplishment has been achieved as seven inmates became the first graduates of the Yale Prison Education Initiative, a collaborative effort between Yale University and the University of New Haven.
Yale University is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701, it is the third oldest university in the United States.
This program, which offers college credit courses, has enrolled a total of 70 students so far, as reported by Scripps News. The Yale Prison Education Initiative commenced its educational activities at the Manson Youth Institution in May 2018.
However, with the involvement of the University of New Haven in 2021, the program experienced significant expansion, leading to the establishment of a degree-granting initiative for incarcerated individuals.
The participants in the program have successfully earned their Associate Degrees in General Studies and now have the opportunity to pursue bachelor’s degrees.
Over 130 dedicated individuals, including faculty members, staff, and graduate students, have devoted their efforts to educating these students, contributing to the program’s triumph.
During the graduation ceremony, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont delivered a heartfelt commencement speech, expressing his admiration for the students’ sense of pride.
“I loved hearing the pride you have in yourselves and what this ceremony is all about. I heard from most of you that you define your own futures. You learn from the past, but you define your futures. I believe so much in this program and what it means.”
Among the graduates is, Alpha Jalloh, currently serving time at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, and also the one with the highest GPA in the class.
Jalloh delivered a touching speech, expressing both pride and sadness, as he became the first among his group of friends to earn a higher degree.
“I stand here proudly, but sadly, as the first person among my group of friends to earn a higher degree,” Jalloh said.
“This program has enabled us to dream in different ways we never thought possible. It nourishes the soul and pushes us to find our place in this world.”
Learn more about the initiative at YalePrisonEducationInitiative.org
Source: blacknews
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