Open to any Convention attendee

Program Description: The cost of an associate degree is approximately $7,000; the cost of three years of incarceration is equivalent to that of three years at Harvard. In Virginia, the Departments of Corrections, Correctional Education, and Southside Virginia Community College partnered to answer Governor McDonnell’s thrust for reduction of recidivism. The concept of higher education opportunities for incarcerated individuals is not new. What is new, however, is a focus on degree completion in a fast-track, technology-rich, dormitory, and learning community environment. This presentation includes partners’ challenges and the program components. Other partners include Virginia Goodwill Network and The Sunshine Ladies Foundation.