Pennsylvania College of Technology has received an $18,750 grant to support its Lycoming County Prison-to-College Program. The initiative aims to break down initial barriers to education and help individuals on a path to bettering themselves and their communities.
The grant is from the Lycoming Economic Development Foundation Fund IMO Joseph L. Rider, a fund of First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania.
“I’m grateful for the support from and vision of FCFP,” said Craig A. Miller, professor of history/political science and department head for social sciences and humanities. “This project will empower individuals on their journey to rejoin their families and society and help create a larger pool of well-trained technicians ready to join the workforce. This grant is a win-win, as it benefits individuals and the broader community.”
An $18,750 grant from the Lycoming Economic Development Foundation Fund IMO Joseph L. Rider (a fund of First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania) will support Penn College’s Lycoming County Prison-to-College Program, which assists individuals on a path to bettering themselves and their communities.
Miller, who serves as director for the Prison-to-College Program, says the program’s goal is to build upon a pilot project launched in August 2022 that offered inmates at the Lycoming County Pre-Release Center the opportunity to take the college’s Communications (ENL 010) course at no cost.
ENL 010 focuses on skills and competencies in basic writing for the workplace and in oral communication to meet the needs of the applied arts certificate student. The course is required in the following Penn College certificate programs: automotive restoration, automotive service technician, aviation maintenance technician, CNC machinist, collision repair technician, culinary applications, diesel truck maintenance technician, plumbing, professional baking and welding, and for the concrete technician competency credential.
Prison-to-College Program activities for 2023 include: continuing to offer inmates the opportunity to take ENL 010 at no cost; offering scholarships to those in the program who wish to pursue a certificate upon their release from prison; and assisting them with the college application process, financial aid, choosing a program/career, and adjusting and adapting to college life.
A variety of Penn College offices will offer assistance during the process, and student volunteers in the human services & restorative justice major will share support and guidance.
Andrea M. Campbell, assistant professor of English composition and technical communication, is teaching the Communications course for the Prison-to-College Program.
In addition to partial scholarships, the FCFP grant will fund books and equipment.
FCFP works to improve the quality of life in northcentral Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets. FCFP strives to create powerful communities through passionate giving.
The Lycoming County Prison-to-College Program aligns with the mission, vision and goals of Penn College’s human services & restorative justice major. To learn more, call the School of Business, Arts & Sciences at 570-327-4521.
For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
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