WTC Seeks to Expand Prison Education Opportunities for Students, Welcomes Accreditation Reviewers
Western Texas College welcomes accreditation reviewers from the Commission on Colleges and Universities to Snyder the week of October 5 for an onsite visit connected to the college’s Prison Education Program. Western Texas College initiated the visit which is part of the approval process to award Pell Grants to incarcerated students through the Financial Aid Office. The Department of Education (DOE) recently expanded Pell Grant eligibility to include incarcerated students.
“I’m a firm believer in second chances,” said Dr. Laurie Sharp, President of Western Texas College. “When the Department of Education expanded Pell Grant eligibility, I wanted to make sure WTC was positioned to offer incarcerated individuals another pathway toward personal growth, job skills, and a better future.”
Through an agreement with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Western Texas College (WTC) provides educational services to prisoners housed at the John Wallace Unit, Preston Smith Unit, and Price Daniel Unit. The visit marks one of the final steps of the approval process in the college’s effort to expand educational opportunities for incarcerated students. WTC must ensure that programs meet rigorous academic and student support standards required by the Commission on Colleges and Universities.
“Let me be clear that this work is not about excusing past actions,” added Dr. Sharp. “It is about reducing future crime, strengthening families, and helping individuals contribute positively when they return to society.”
Research consistently shows that incarcerated individuals who participate in prison education are less likely to return to prison after release. Smaller prison populations can reduce long-term incarceration costs for taxpayers while helping employers fill workforce needs with trained workers.
“For many incarcerated students who want to better themselves through education, cost still remains one of the biggest barriers,” noted Stephanie Ducheneaux, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This approval for eligibility would remove a barrier.”
The programs offered for incarcerated students through WTC include Computer Maintenance Technology, Petroleum Technology Management, Nursery Landscape Management, and Golf Course and Sports Field Turf Technician. Students may pursue either Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or a certificate program.
The focus of the onsite review team from the Commission on Colleges and Universities is to evaluate whether educational services provided to incarcerated students match the quality of services available to students on campus. Reviewers will examine academic quality, faculty qualifications, advising, library resources, student support services, and overall program management.
“When individuals leave prison with skills, training, and hope, communities benefit,” said Dr. Don Sewell, Chief Institutional Effectiveness and Strategy Officer, and Accreditation Liaison for WTC. “Prison education creates opportunities for people to grow, make better choices, and contribute in meaningful ways after release.”
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