Why NY must invest in higher education in our prisons | Opinion

I often say that my educational odyssey began when I was incarcerated.

While serving my sentence at Sing Sing in 1993, I had the opportunity to enroll in classes offered through Dutchess Community College. The school had a compelling reputation, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was part of something meaningful. The only difference was that I was taking classes in a prison environment.

Many of us who have experienced the prison system know that incarceration alone does not rehabilitate people. Programs like college do.

Education changes how you see yourself and your future. Whether someone participates for one semester or earns an associate’s, bachelor’s= or even a master’s degree, the impact is profound. Study after study shows that the more education a person receives while incarcerated, the less likely they are to return to prison.

For me, it was also about proving something to my family. My mother used to tell me, “Son, you have a good head on your shoulders.” She knew I had potential, even when I went astray and made bad decisions. When I was inside, I realized she was right, but it was up to me to make smarter choices. Enrolling in college was one of the best decisions I ever made, changing the trajectory of my life. 

After my release, I continued my education, ultimately earning a Ph.D. Today, I serve as chief operating officer at The Fortune Society, where I work every day to support people returning home from incarceration and to help build a more just and effective criminal legal system.

My story is not unique. I have met countless people whose lives were transformed by access to higher education while incarcerated. These programs help people build discipline, confidence, and a sense of purpose. They also strengthen communities by ensuring that people return home with the tools they need to succeed, not just avoid being another recidivism statistic.

That’s why the future of higher education in prison programs through SUNY colleges matters and why expanding access to these programs is so important. Even with universities offering programs in 36 of New York’s 42 state prisons, the demand for educational opportunities in prisons still exceeds the number of available seats. This means that too many people who want to learn, grow and enjoy a successful reentry simply do not have access to this opportunity.

New York must invest in higher education in our prisons

At a moment when Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature are prioritizing public safety, affordability and strengthening communities across the state, neglecting to invest in higher education in prison programs would be a step in the wrong direction.

The state Senate has taken a key step in recognizing the value of these programs by including funding for SUNY higher education in prison in its one-house budget proposal. Ensuring that this funding remains in the final enacted state budget is critical.

Higher education in prison is not just about second chances. It’s about safer communities, stronger families and a more effective legal system. When people return home with an education, they return with tools to build productive lives. That benefits all of us.

My educational journey was long and full of challenges, but it prepared me for the day I would finally come home. Every person who is incarcerated deserves the chance to embark on their own odyssey: to learn, to grow and to return home ready to build a better life.