About Partakers, inc
Partakers, Inc: Supporting Massachusetts Prison Education through Mentoring
Partakers, Inc is a non-profit organization that supports Massachusetts prison education by coordinating teams of volunteers who mentor inmates as they attend the Boston University Prison Education Program. The College Behind Bars mentoring program is designed to help inmates build trusting relationships, enhance skills critical to completing a college degree, and increase their chances for success when returning to the community.
The Importance of Prison Education
Prison education has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing recidivism rates and improving post-release outcomes. Inmates who participate in educational programs while incarcerated are less likely to reoffend and more likely to find employment upon release. However, access to higher education in prison is limited due to various factors such as lack of funding and resources.
This is where Partakers comes in - by providing volunteer mentors who can support inmates through their educational journey. The mentors provide academic guidance, emotional support, and help with navigating the challenges that come with being an incarcerated student.
The College Behind Bars Mentoring Program
The College Behind Bars mentoring program pairs each inmate with two volunteer mentors who meet with them regularly throughout the semester. The mentors provide one-on-one support tailored to each inmate's needs and goals.
In addition to academic support, the mentors also help inmates develop important life skills such as time management, goal setting, and communication. These skills are essential for success both inside prison and after release.
Partnerships with Boston University
Partakers works closely with Boston University's Prison Education Program (PEP) which provides college-level courses for incarcerated students at several correctional facilities in Massachusetts. PEP offers courses in subjects such as English literature, history, philosophy, math and science.
Through partnerships like this one between Partakers and PEP , incarcerated individuals have access not only access higher education but also opportunities for personal growth that can lead them towards successful reentry into society after serving their sentences.
Volunteer Opportunities with Partakers
Partakers relies on volunteers to make their programs possible. Volunteer mentors are needed to support inmates through the College Behind Bars mentoring program. Volunteers can also help with fundraising, event planning, and other administrative tasks.
If you're interested in volunteering with Partakers, visit their website for more information on how to get involved.
Conclusion
Partakers is an organization that is making a difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals by providing them with access to higher education and support through volunteer mentoring. By partnering with Boston University's Prison Education Program, they are able to offer college-level courses that can lead to better post-release outcomes for inmates.
If you're looking for a way to give back and make a positive impact in your community, consider volunteering with Partakers. Your time and support can help change lives and break the cycle of recidivism.