Inside Out Learning: Reflections on the Power of Prison Education at Notre Dame

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana with the Jesuit Prison Education Network. The conference convened academics and representatives from departments of corrections nationwide to discuss “inside out” prison education programs. These innovative programs offer college courses to people who are incarcerated, typically for college credits, and are facilitated by Professors who build relationships with correction institutions. 

There were incredible, passionate, brilliant individuals with unique programs: a professor teaching courses inside Rikers Island; another bringing undergraduate students inside institutions to learn alongside people who were incarcerated, both groups being taught the same course, receiving college credit, and building relationships; a correctional officer who was able to take courses at their institution to obtain a college degree as a staff member. All, truly amazing accomplishments. 

Gathering in-person led to amazing discussions and collaborations about different barriers, challenges, and success for bringing college-level education into the correctional setting. The reality is that academia is changing and needs to explore new ways to attract a diverse student body. The Jesuit approach of collaboration and partnership is providing a unique perspective on teaching and learning. To further enhance reentry programs, we must prioritize continued dialogue and knowledge-sharing regarding best practices, data collection, and stakeholder engagement. 

A very special thank you to the team at Notre Dame for hosting us on the campus. It was powerful and inspiring to be in such a beautiful learning environment with such a rich history. A very special thank you, too, to Father Tom Curran who coordinates and gathers the Jesuit Prison Education Network. It’s a great experience to be part of the community of bright scholars that are having an impact on the reentry population, and I’m proud to bring A Curiae as part of the conversation in the reentry space.