About Hudson link for higher education in prison
Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison: Providing Hope and Opportunity to Incarcerated Individuals
Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison is a non-profit organization that provides college education, life skills, and reentry support to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. The organization was founded in 1998 by Sean Pica, who was himself an inmate at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He recognized the transformative power of education and wanted to provide access to higher education for those who are often overlooked by society.
The mission of Hudson Link is simple yet powerful: to provide hope and opportunity through higher education. The organization believes that everyone deserves a second chance, regardless of their past mistakes or circumstances. By providing access to college courses, Hudson Link aims to help incarcerated individuals develop critical thinking skills, increase their self-esteem, and prepare them for successful reentry into society.
One of the unique aspects of Hudson Link's program is that it offers college courses inside correctional facilities. This means that students can earn college credits while still serving their sentences. The courses are taught by professors from accredited colleges and universities who volunteer their time to teach inside prisons.
Hudson Link currently operates programs at six correctional facilities in New York State: Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Taconic Correctional Facility, Fishkill Correctional Facility, Greene Correctional Facility, Sullivan Correctional Facility, and Wallkill Correctional Facility. Since its inception in 1998, the organization has awarded over 600 degrees.
In addition to providing access to higher education courses inside prisons, Hudson Link also offers a range of support services designed to help students succeed both academically and personally. These services include tutoring programs; mentoring programs; career development workshops; financial literacy classes; family reunification programs; mental health counseling; substance abuse treatment referrals; housing assistance referrals; job placement assistance upon release from prison.
The impact of Hudson Link's program on its students cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that inmates who participate in educational programs while incarcerated are less likely than non-participants to return to prison after release (Rand Corporation). In fact according to data provided by the New York State Department of Corrections & Community Supervision (DOCCS), only 2% percent of Hudson Links graduates have returned back behind bars compared with an average recidivism rate among all released prisoners which stands at around 40%.
Furthermore earning a degree while serving time can open up new opportunities upon release from prison such as better job prospects or even furthering one's academic pursuits outside prison walls - something many never thought possible before joining the program.
In conclusion,Hudson link for Higher Education in Prison is an incredible organization doing important work within our criminal justice system.Their commitment towards providing hope through higher education has helped transform countless lives over the years.They offer not just academic opportunities but also vital support services aimed at helping former inmates successfully reintegrate into society post-release.Its no wonder they have been so successful thus far with such low recidivism rates among graduates.Hopefully more organizations will follow suit as we continue working towards creating a more equitable criminal justice system where everyone gets a fair shot at redemption regardless of past mistakes or circumstances beyond their control
hudsonlink.org
