Cerro Coso was honored to have State Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian in attendance, who is making inmate education programs a key part of community college education plans across California. “Vision 2030 focuses on increasing equitable access, success, and support for justice-impacted students. The achievements of these graduates in the Incarcerated Student Education Program illustrate for all the impact such investments are making.” -Dr. Sonya Christian, State Chancellor, California Community Colleges.
“I have learned to redirect my fears of failing into confidence for success. My future is very bright with the opportunities that having a college education has provided.” – Christopher Dacosta, Graduate
“I know this education will stay with us long after we are away from these walls, and living a life that has purpose, integrity, honesty, and respect. I am proud to be a graduate from Cerro Coso Community College” – Marcus Barnett, Graduate
“We take immense pride in the success of our justice-involved students. Not only have they gained the knowledge and learned the skills necessary for economic and career success, but they have also grown as people, as citizens, and as individuals committed to equity and justice. Every single student has demonstrated that they have the strength to persevere and shape their own future.” -Dr. Sean Hancock, President, Cerro Coso Community College.
Cerro Coso Community College’s Incarcerated Student Program was launched in 2015 following the passage of Senate Bill 1391, which allowed the formation of face-to-face community college programs inside prisons. Since then, 400 incarcerated students have graduated from Cerro Coso with nearly 1000 degrees. Cerro Coso currently has 450 students actively enrolled in prison education programs.
Discover more from Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News - The Community's News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
This PR is extremely deceptive as it improperly describes those involved.
The ‘students’, are INMATES taking part in an internal educational program within the state prison system.
The ‘students’, are incarcerated adults and convicted of a felony charge or multiple felony charges.
“Incarcerated Student Education Program” This is not reform school, this is the state prison program for incarcerated inmates.
“justice-impacted students.” These so-called “students” had the justice system impact them at their own decision, the justice department became involved after their arrest and convictions.
Thank goodness my children did not attend Cerro Cosso and neither will any of our grandchildren.
Les are you ok?
This is a great program. I’ve no illusions that this will work for everyone, but it will change things around for some (maybe even many?). This is something that benefits all of us.