Northeastern Technical College

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Prisoners Get a 2nd Chance

Northeastern Technical College is one of 64 colleges participating in the U.S. Department of Education's Second Chance Pell Program. The program allows eligible incarcerated individuals to receive Pell Grants to pursue postsecondary education.

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with approximately 2.2 million people behind bars in prisons and jails. 95% of those individuals will get released back into their communities.

NETC is partnering with correctional facilities in Marlboro County to provide educational and career opportunities to incarnated individuals while they are serving their sentences. The goal is to help them find jobs so they can support their families after they are released.

The RAND Corporation performed research in 2013 that found that incarcerated individuals who participated in correctional education were 43 percent less likely to return to prison within three years than prisoners who did not participate in any correctional education programs.

NETC's goal is to offer degree and certification programs where released individuals can find work immediately. Culinary Arts, Barbering, Welding, Machine Tooling, and CDL Training will help reduce recidivism in the area.

Dr. Mark Bunch, Dean of Continuing Education at NETC, attended an annual meeting of supporters of the Second Chance Pell pilot program in Washington, DC.

Attendees discussed qualifications for federal aid in prison and what factors, such as convictions and length of sentences, should determine eligibility. Reinstating federal aid for incarcerated students, lifting a quarter-century ban on the grants in prisons, was a focus of the meeting.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos also attended the annual meeting affirming her support for the program. "It's Congress's chance to act and do its job to make sure to extend this opportunity in a very sustainable and predictable way to many more people across our country," DeVos said.

The Trump administration is committed to creating a fairer and more effective criminal justice system, reducing recidivism, and combating the impact of mass incarceration on families and communities through educational opportunity.

For more information about the 2nd Chance Pell, contact NETC at (843) 921-6900

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  • Kayla Gibson, Dual Credit Student:

    Taking classes at Northeastern Technical College while in high school has helped prepare me for the College of Charleston by earning credits that I will need for my major. I will be entering the College of... Read More about Kayla

  • Cynthia Hulon, Educational Mentor:

    I received individualized attention from my instructors at Northeastern Technical College when I was going through the business program. NETC's faculty and staff members are very friendly and accommodating, and they really care about their students.... Read More about Cynthia

  • Anissa Keith, NETC Alumna:

    Going to Northeastern Technical College allowed me to work a full-time job, be at home with my child and live in my community. At NETC, you are more than just a number in a classroom. The... Read More about Anissa

  • Jonathan Rivers, Farmer:

    Going to NETC, which is exactly 17 miles from my home, was convenient. I could live at home and go to school, which was a lot more affordable for me than going off to college elsewhere.... Read More about Jonathan

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    Northeastern Technical College was my pathway to a better life. NETC was directly involved in getting me where I am today and having the job that I am so passionate about.... Read More about Santrice

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    NETC was my pathway to a broad range of knowledge that has allowed me to pursue my dream of owning my own business. NETC is a great starting point for people who are undecided about their... Read More about Tony

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  • Emily Williams, NETC Alumna:

    I knew I wanted to study law, and Northeastern Technical College offered the pathway to becoming a legal office assistant. The smaller classes and the support services offered by NETC really met my needs and allowed... Read More about Emily

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    Northeastern Technical College was close to home and my job, and it was affordable. It was my starting place. With this nursing degree from NETC, I can branch out and go anywhere.... Read More about Tommy


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