Penn College holds Prison-to-College graduation at SCI Muncy

A recent graduation ceremony at State Correctional Institution Muncy recognized seven inmates who completed a Pennsylvania College of Technology certificate in professional baking.

“The professional baking certificate students at SCI Muncy have displayed courage, fortitude and dedication far beyond my most optimistic hopes,” said Craig A. Miller, professor of history/political science and director of Penn College’s Prison-to-College program. “They succeeded where they thought they could not, and used that transformation power to continually break not only the institutional barriers inside a correctional facility, but also personal and societal barriers. Not only did all students complete the certificate, but every single one made the dean’s list. I could not be more proud.”

The Prison-to-College program launched in 2022 when Penn College President Michael J. Reed agreed to provide two free Communications classes a year at the Lycoming County Pre-Release Center while Miller researched funding sources. The Communications class focuses on skills in basic writing for the workplace and is required in several Penn College certificate programs.

Over the next two years, the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania awarded two grants to the program to fund tuition and supplies.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded an $866,188 grant through its Bureau of Justice Assistance. The funding allowed the college to expand the program, adding Communications classes at the Lycoming County Prison, collaborating with Penn College Workforce Development to offer an Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship at the county Pre-Release Center, and partnering with Penn College’s baking & culinary program to begin offering the college’s American Culinary Federation-accredited professional baking certificate at SCI Muncy, one of two women’s state prisons in Pennsylvania.

The certificate’s 16 baking courses were taught at SCI Muncy by Chef Todd M. Keeley, assistant professor of baking and pastry arts/culinary arts.

“The professional baking certificate was a good choice for this initiative because it aligns student interest with skills that are in demand in the workforce,” said Chenchen Huang, dean of business, arts and sciences. “Beyond preparing students for employment opportunities, the program gives them the chance to experience the satisfaction that comes from building a skill and seeing the results of their work. We are fortunate to have faculty members like Chef Todd Keeley who are willing to share their expertise and passion with these students. This program reflects Penn College’s commitment to providing hands-on education that helps individuals build pathways to a better future.”

The college’s support for students in the Prison-to-College program extends beyond lecture and lab time.

“While offering these programs, we also work with students to navigate the process of reentry, continuing education and successfully moving forward with their lives,” said Rachel L. Thompson, the program’s coordinator. “Each student has regular opportunities to meet with program staff to discuss employment, housing, counselling and education before they are released.

“Research has shown that completing any amount of higher education while incarcerated greatly reduces recidivism, the rate at which people reoffend or are reincarcerated,” she continued. “In Lycoming County, the recidivism rate is 47%. Students who have completed our program at the county level have a rate of 13%. Education empowers these students to make positive life changes and pursue opportunities they previously could not access.”

At their graduation ceremony, the students – who showcased their learning by making the event’s refreshments – talked about plans to continue their education after release and the joy, hope and pride they feel after completing the certificate.

“We celebrate the accomplishments of these graduates, whose perseverance, dedication and commitment to learning have demonstrated the transformative power of education,” said Joanna K. Flynn, vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Their success reflects not only academic achievement, but also personal growth, resilience and hope for the future. Just as importantly, this program has transformed those who teach within it. Our faculty members often speak of how their experiences in the classroom have challenged assumptions, deepened their understanding of the human capacity for growth and renewed their belief in education as a force for change. This graduation is a testament to the profound impact that learning can have on everyone involved, students and educators alike.”

Graduation speakers, who included Miller, Reed and State Rep. Jamie Flick (83rd Legislative District) likewise emphasized the graduates’ resilience, hard work and positive choices.

“I commend the efforts of our team to build and deliver a meaningful program that both transforms the individual students and lifts our greater community,” Reed said. “This was a major commitment by many, and the results of these efforts will likely be profound because the data is clear: If someone has employable skills upon release, they are much more likely to be productive and contributing members of our community for life. It is the one proven variable to significantly reduce recidivism in our communities.”

A second cohort of students at SCI Muncy is finishing its baking coursework.

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