Breaking Barriers: Education Reaches Incarcerated Women in Massachusetts

A new opportunity is opening up for women in Massachusetts prisons. Boston College is teaming up with the state's Department of Correction to bring education to those behind bars. This isn't a new idea, but it's expanding. Since 2019, the Boston College Prison Education Program has been running at MCI-Shirley. Now, it's reaching out to MCI-Framingham as well. The goal is clear: to help people in prison get a better shot at life once they're released. Education can play a big part in that. It's not just about getting a degree. It's about learning skills that can make a difference. Things like writing, teamwork, and thinking critically. These are tools that can help people succeed, no matter where they are. More than 100 people have already signed up for the program. Eight have even earned their degrees. That's a big deal. It shows that this kind of opportunity can really make a difference. People like Kadeem Foreman and Jonathan Carvalho have shown that education can open doors, even in tough situations. Foreman, who was convicted of second-degree murder, earned his bachelor's degree and even learned welding skills. He was recently granted parole. Carvalho, also convicted of second-degree murder, earned his degree and is hoping for parole soon. Their stories show that education can be a powerful tool for change. The program at MCI-Framingham is starting small, with just 10 to 12 students. It's a pilot program, a test to see if it can work long-term. The hope is that it will. The program is funded by a grant, so it doesn't cost the students anything. That's important. Everyone deserves a chance to learn, no matter their circumstances. This isn't the only education program available to people in Massachusetts prisons. There are lots of options, from college courses to vocational training. Over 1, 350 people took part in these programs last year. That's a lot of people getting a chance to better themselves. Gov. Maura Healey supports these efforts. She believes that expanding education opportunities can help people succeed when they reenter society. It's a smart idea. Education can break down barriers and open up new possibilities. It's a step in the right direction.