Second Chance College Program

Second Chance College Program

On June 26, 2016, the University of Baltimore (UB) was selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s Second Chance Pell Grant Experimental Sites Initiative. UB was among 67 other colleges/universities selected nationwide to offer a post-secondary correctional education program through federal Pell Grant funding. The objective is to provide post-secondary education to incarcerated students prior to release, therefore reducing likelihood of recidivism, and improving outcomes for educational and employment success.

UB’s program is being offered at Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI), a medium-security prison for men. So far, 28 students have enrolled this fall and will study toward a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies/Civic Engagement degree, with a minor in entrepreneurship. UB has also developed a mentorship and tutoring program for the JCI students. Our mentor/tutors are incarcerated men at JCI who are active leaders and role models in the prison. Many of the mentors have a college education and are strongly committed to higher education.

UB’s program model will allow most students to begin their coursework at JCI and transition to UB once released. We believe it is an important reentry strategy to have students immediately attend classes at UB, while receiving support services to assist with their transition. 

The Second Chance College Program director is Andrea Cantora, assistant professor in the School of Criminal Justice.

Download a PDF of the program brochure.