“… I have a broader perspective in my outlook. I have an increased ability to communicate effectively in many mediums, greater compassion for people, pride in the accomplishments of others, increased self-esteem, confidence, discipline, a greater sense of myself as a person.” — Todd Matthew Young, 2009 Hudson Link graduate
Program Website: http://www.hudsonlink.org
Contacts:
Sean Pica
Executive Director
[email protected]
(914-941-0794)
P.O. Box 862
Ossining, NY 10562
Tel: (914) 941-0794
[email protected]
Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison
Program Description: Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison provides college education, life skills and re-entry support to incarcerated men and women to help them make a positive impact on their own lives, their families and communities, resulting in lower rates of recidivism, incarceration and poverty.
Hudson Link was founded when state and federal funding for college education in prisons stopped. In 1998, the incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility reached out to religious and academic volunteers for help. Under the leadership of Dr. Anne Reissner, Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison was founded to restore college education at Sing Sing through private funding.
Hudson Link began offering courses in June 2000 with 22 students taught by Nyack College faculty. In 2011 seventeen men graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Management. That year, the program enrolled 35 students through a new partnership with Mercy College. Hudson Link students take the same rigorous curriculum as the students that are on campus with their college partners.
Hudson Link’s success at Sing Sing enabled expansion of their educational programs to 5 additional correctional facilities since 1998. Hudson Link’s strategic plan is to continue expand their programs in the facilities they currently operate in, and replicate their educational programs at additional facilities as funding allows.
Degrees Offered: Associates Degree in Liberal Arts, Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Behavioral Science and Bachelor Degree in Organizational Management
Programs Offered: Pre-college coursework including english composition, literature and mathematics to help prepare incarcerated men and women to enter our college degree granting programs. College coursework in behavioral and social sciences, mathematics, english and literature, business, organizational management and liberal arts
Unique Features: Hudson Link has expanded its programming to include a pre-college program to prepare potential students for the rigors of obtaining a college degree. Hudson Link Alumni work as tutors and mentors to the pre-college students.
In addition to traditional educational programs, Hudson Link offers a monthly life skills seminar series to help prepare their students and graduates for their eventual release from prison.
Hudson Link’s support does not stop inside the prison. They run a strong Alumni Program to help transition their men and women back into their communities through support, job readiness, mentoring and links to other re-entry services.
Hudson Link’s commitment to helping their men and women achieve success in their families and communities has led to a 0% recidivism rate for released graduates.
Headquarters: Ossining, NY
Correctional Facilities Served: Fishkill, Sing Sing and Sullivan Correctional Facilities for Men and Taconic Correctional Facility for Women
Population Served: Men and women who are incarcerated; requirements include either a GED or high school diploma. We also assist Hudson Link graduates after they are released from prison.
Number of Students: Over 300 men and women in 5 facilities
Graduates to Date:349 degrees confirmed in 14 years
Year Founded: 1998
Founder(s): Dr. Anne Reissner
College/University/Organization Partnerships: Mercy College, Nyack College, Vassar College and Sullivan County Community College
Funding: Privately funded through donations from individuals, congregations and foundations