Contacts:David Collins – Director CJII, College in Prison – dcollins@mercy.edu – 914-674-7239
Karol Dean – Dean of School of Social and Behavioral Science – kdean@mercy.edu – 914-674-7517
Program Description:Mercy College currently provides two full academic programs of postsecondary college-level instruction leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science (BS) and an Associate in Science degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The goals are to Improve college completion among prison inmates and to Improve post-release outcomes for students participating in the program.
Degrees Offered:Associates of Science Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Bachelors of Science Degree in Behavioral Science
Programs Offered:
Unique Features:Mercy College works with the students to design a plan to aid students in making the transition from incarceration to living in the community. Post-release college enrollment guidance and support will be provided for interested students who are released from prison without completing their degree. Mercy College will welcome students who have not yet completed their degree program while incarcerated to complete their studies at any of the College’s campuses or via online study, in the current academic program or another academic program of study (if desired by the student). The College assists students with the application process for Federal Pell grant funding, if they were eligible. If the student meets the criteria of the NYS TAP program, he/she would be eligible for said aid, assuming he/she enrolls at a New York State postsecondary institution to complete an eligible degree program. For those students interested in continuing their education at Mercy College, institution-based student aid is available to meet post- release costs of program completion.
Headquarters:Ossining, NY
Correctional Facilities Served:Sing Sing Correctional Facility
Population Served:Men
Number of Students:142
Graduates to Date:350
Year Founded:2001
Founders:Mercy College
College/University/Organization Partnerships:Mercy College
Funding:Grant aid from NY, Federal Pell grant aid, Mercy College funding