Contacts:Bobby Beauchamp – Director of PEI [email protected]
2111 Emmons Rd. Jackson, MI 49201 517-796-8431
Program Description:Jackson College has been a huge proponent for and a successful contributor to Offender Rehabilitation through Higher Education since the early 1970’s. JCC started prison education at the request of the MDOC in the early 1970s–in response to a riot. The program grew to the largest in the nation, then was ended with the 1994 Violent Crime Act, which removed PELL from incarcerated students…and the subsequent withdrawal of State aid that followed the above act.
The Prison Education Initiative (PEI) had a rebirth in 2012 with a successful Self-Pay program established at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility. That program has grown to include four additional facilities, providing educational opportunities for over 600+ students.
PEI offers incarcerated students an opportunity to earn college credits toward a General Transfer Certificate, a Business Administration Certificate, Business Administration Associate in Applied Science, Associate of Arts, and/or an Associate in General Studies degree.
Our classes are small, taught face to face by Jackson College part- and full-time professors, and transfer seamlessly to all colleges and universities participating in the Michigan Transfer Agreement. PEI students excel in their course work. Many are currently on the Dean’s List and have earned awards for academic excellence.
Degrees Offered:Associates of Arts, General Studies, Applied Science in Business Administration
Unique Features:Jackson College seeks to promote student engagement in and outside of the class. Outside of the class we in partnership with MDOC offer:
Men of Merit (Leadership & Mentoring Program)
Educational Communities (Students living together)
Writing Fellows (Peer review and support)
Headquarters:Jackson, MI
Correctional Facilities Served:Jackson Cooper Street Correctional Facility, G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility, Parnall Correctional Facility, Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, Gus Harrison Correctional Facility, Milan Federal Prison
Population Served:Security Level 1 & 2 Men & Women
Number of Students:Approximately 650+ Students
Graduates to Date:120+
Year Founded:Rebirth in 2012
Founders:Jackson College
College/University/Organization Partnerships:Jackson College
Funding:“‹The Program is funded primarily by the 2nd Chance Pell Grant. The Program is also funded by Self-Pay students and sponsors.
Updated 5/24/18