New report offers steps for college access after jail

Western Mass Corps is detailing their findings on how previously incarcerated individuals perform in higher education. 22 News reporter Nick Antonakis joins us live in studio now after attending their report release this morning. Julia, six recommendations on how to make the path from jail to college clearer for incarcerated individuals came out of this report. Take a listen. A report unlocking pathways from jail to college was released by Western Mass Corps with the goal of opening the door to higher education for people impacted by incarceration. Education is transformational and powerful. It gives people a sense of themselves. The initiative started with Western Mass Corps' mission, making opportunities, resources and education available for justice-impacted learners across the western part of the Bay State. The report took a year of hard work with a plethora of students and professionals coming together from college officials like Kermit Dunkelberg from Holyoke Community College to correctional leaders like Hampden County Sheriff Nick Kochi. When someone comes back into the community, they know they've met someone, they know a face, they know a name, they feel welcome. I don't want 1,200 people incarcerated when I can help bring 1,200 people back to the community. Productive citizens of society. Education's the pathway. The report spotlights barriers standing in between incarcerated individuals and a college education and makes recommendations on how to make that path more clear and reliable. The report has six recommendations. Build regional collaboration and share practice. Offer courses behind the wall that students can build on. Make credits count. Build continuity from jail to campus, make financial aid easier to navigate and measure the pathway alongside outcomes. All of these to make education accessible to everyone. When we all have access to education and opportunity, our communities are stronger and safer. Now for more details on the report, you can head over to our website at WWLP.com. Working for you, Nick Antonakis, 22 News.