Copyright MassLive
Incarcerated women in Massachusetts will now have the chance to further their education and lower recidivism rates. Boston College is working with the Massachusetts Department of Correction to expand its Boston College Prison Education Program. The program has been available at the MCI-Shirley facility since 2019. In January, it will expand to include people housed at the MCI-Framingham facility. “The successful reduction of recidivism in Massachusetts is a direct result of all of the partnerships forged through a shared commitment to transform lives,” Interim Public Safety and Security Secretary Susan W. Terrey said. “All of our educational partners and our dedicated DOC teachers and staff work collaboratively toward the goal of changing lives and increasing opportunities for success.” More than 100 people have enrolled in the program since 2019, and eight people have received degrees. The program celebrated its first graduating cohort in 2024. Another group was honored for their degrees on Sept. 18. Kadeem Foreman, convicted of second-degree murder in 2012 after the killing of Toneika Jones in Dorchester, was one of those students. Foreman earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and participated in MCI-Norfolk’s welding program. He was recently granted parole. Similarly, Jonathan Carvalho, who was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years, also got a degree from Boston College. One of his Boston College professors described him as having “patience and generosity in working with his peers, and provides an example of excellence.” “I hope that I can be that type of person,” Carvalho told the parole board. Carvalho, now 35, went in front of the parole board for the first time on June 16. He is still waiting for the parole board’s decision. The MCI-Framingham program will be a one-year pilot program with 10 to 12 students. But the hope is to evaluate the academic, logistical and infrastructure needs for long-term sustainability, the Department of Corrections said in a press release. The project is funded by a $100,000 grant from the New England Prison Education Collaborative and is offered at no cost to incarcerated individuals. While earning credits, those participating will also develop “strong abilities in academic writing, teamwork, critical thinking, communication and time management.” Once they leave the facility, students are encouraged to continue their education at Boston College’s Woods College of Advancing Studies. “Education is one of the many foundations that successful reentry is built upon. All of our education partners collaborate with the DOC to build up this foundation,” said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “Massachusetts is a national leader in recidivism reduction, and to continue this success, we must adapt and grow. We are truly grateful to Boston College for helping the DOC and the individuals in our care do the same.” It is one of many educational programs offered to those incarcerated. Overall, there are about 6,000 individuals across 13 state facilities as part of the Department of Corrections. During the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 1,350 people completed educational programs, including college courses, HiSET diplomas, vocational training and technology-focused courses. Other higher education partnerships include Babson College, Boston University, Bunker Hill Community College, Emerson College, Franklin Cummings Institute, which collaborates with The Educational Justice Institute based in the Office of the Vice Chancellor at MIT; Massasoit Community College; Mount Wachusett Community College and Tufts University. Other programs at MCI-Framingham include an eight-course Interdisciplinary Certificate from Boston University, a four-course Entrepreneurial and Humanities Certificate from Babson College, MIT in conjunction with Franklin Cummings Institute offers three coding courses and Framingham State University frequently offers an Inside/Out class. “By expanding our partnerships and educational opportunities, we increase the success of individuals as they reenter communities,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “We applaud Boston College for expanding their program to MCI-Framingham and for their continued commitment to supporting successful reentry.”
