NETC provides a second chance at Evans

Cutline: (from left to right) NETC Chairman Dan Bozard, Allan Wachendorfer of the Vera Institute, and Nena Staley, Deputy Director of Programs Reentry and Rehabilitative Services present graduates with their associate degrees.

Five men incarcerated at Evans Correctional Institution received their associate degree in business from Northeastern Technical College (NETC) on December 9.

The ceremony was the first of its kind for the college and the prison, made possible by the Department of Education's Second Chance Pell Experiment, which allows incarcerated individuals to receive federal financial aid for higher education, thus increasing access to college.

In 2016, NETC was chosen as one of 67 colleges in the United States to participate in the pilot program, which ultimately aims to allow people in prison to tap into their potential and gain the education and training while in prison so they can find employment following release.

"The Second Chance Pell Experiment is a game-changer for those who are incarcerated. It gives them hope, dignity, and a purpose," said NETC President Dr. Kyle Wagner. "At some point, many of these men will be released from prison, so having the skills and education necessary to get a good job is vital. It will not only reduce the likelihood of them returning but also allow them to make significant contributions in support of their families and communities in the future."

Studies show that education helps to reduce recidivism, lower incarceration rates, and can improve the economy by returning employable citizens back into the community. Statistically, prisoners who participate in education programs are 48 times less likely to return to prison than those who didn't.

S.C. Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling said the program will help the men be successful when they are released. "They can now take that degree and go out to society and become successful and not return to what got them here in the first place."

The keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony was Allan Wachendorfer, a program associate from the Vera Institute of Justice. Wachendorfer works across the nation to help expand access to post-secondary education for prisoners and justice policy reform.

Wachendorfer shared with the graduates and the audience how he was once incarcerated, and how education was ultimately the key in him finding success following release.

"I didn't get the opportunity to take college courses when I was in prison, but I was in a place just like this," said Wachendorfer. "While in prison, I asked myself, what was supposed to be rehabilitative about all this? How was taking away every freedom from the outside and being deprived of human dignity and respect supposed to make me better?"

Wachendorfer knows that there can be rehabilitation through education, and he was determined that his time in prison was going to be for something. Following his release, he went to a two-year college and then continued on to earn his bachelor's, and eventually, a master's degree.

"You have helped to pave the way for future students, the ones who are sitting behind you, and the ones who are not yet here today. We need you all to be successful to show why these programs are so important," said Wachendorfer. "Just keep your faith, set your intentions, plant those good seeds, set a good example for your children, don't let obstacles stop you, surround yourself with leaders, and trust yourself, believe bigger – because I stand before you as proof that people can change, and people are restorable."

Following the ceremony one of the graduates spoke about how the program impacted him, "I definitely want to get out and do things the right way. At the end of the day, what's going to be paramount is where I ended up at. No one is immune from the trials and tribulations of life."

Northeastern Technical College is working on expanding the program offerings at Evans Correctional to include machine technology and welding. Currently, there are 13 students in the second cohort who plan to graduate with their associate degree in 2020-2021.

For more information about NETC, funding opportunities for everyone, or programs offered at NETC, call 843-921-6900 or visit online at www.netc.edu.

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