(SIMMONS COLLEGE OF KENTUCKY/FACEBOOK)
PEWEE VALLEY – On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that beginning this fall Simmons College of Kentucky will begin offering college courses at the state’s female-only prison, the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women (KCIW).
Simmons College, a private historically Black college in Louisville, is the only recipient in the state of a federal Second Chance Pell Grant program that is working to transition justice-involved individuals out of prison and back into the classroom or the workforce at no cost to taxpayers. Simmons College is currently offering courses at three state prisons, including Northpoint Training Center and Luther Luckett Correctional Complex, where 150 inmates are currently enrolled in classes.
“My faith teaches me that there are second chances and that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,” Gov. Beshear said. “When all our people succeed, we succeed. Through this partnership with Simmons College of Kentucky, we are increasing access to jobs for the justice-involved population, which further lowers the recidivism rate and supports our booming economy and safer communities.”
Inmates who have at least 12 months left to serve or to become eligible for parole may apply to Simmons College. If accepted, they will have the opportunity to pursue an associate degree in general studies or religious studies or a bachelor’s degree in sociology or business entrepreneurship. Simmons College is also assisting the Department of Corrections (DOC) population with financial aid, technology needs and career counseling.
Upon earning a degree, these individuals who have repaid their debt to society will be eligible to apply for jobs with a salary range of $40,000 to $80,000 annually.
“The goal of the program is to empower justice-involved Kentuckians, remove workforce barriers, reduce recidivism, increase access to education and develop citizens with the capacity for independent, critical thinking,” said DOC Commissioner Cookie Crews. “We are thrilled to partner with Simmons College to set these individuals up for success once released.”
“We are excited to build this partnership with Simmons College and look forward to what the future holds,” KCIW Warden Vanessa Kennedy said. “Simmons provides not only college classes but offers vital support services for the women at our institution to leave here with the skills they need to be successful.”
Simmons College plans to provide this educational opportunity statewide in the near future.
