CSU Pueblo, PCC part of new program allowing inmates to reduce sentences through higher ed

Colorado State University Pueblo and Pueblo Community College are pilot institutions for a new statewide initiative that allows nonviolent criminals in Colorado Department of Corrections facilities to shorten their sentences by earning college credentials or degrees.

The goal of the program is to reduce recidivism, the term for when a convicted criminal reoffends, among nonviolent felons through higher education.

The initiative was created through Gov. Jared Polis' signing of the bipartisan Colorado House Bill 23-1037, titled "Department of Corrections Earned Time For College Program Completion" on April 12.

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By earning a credential or 30-credit-hour certificate from an accredited institution, incarcerated individuals can earn six months off their sentence; those who earn an associate's or bachelor's degree can receive one year off their sentence; individuals can take 18 months off their sentence by earning a master's degree; they can take two years off their sentence by earning a doctorate.

Rep. Matthew Martinez, a Democrat from Monte Vista whose district encompasses parts of Pueblo, co-sponsored the bill with Republican Rep. Rose Pugliese of Colorado Springs and Democrat Sen. Julie Gonzales of Denver. Prior to becoming a state legislator, Martinez directed the Adams State University Prison Education program for 6½ years.

"Once they are released and they have their degree or credential, they are going to find employment a lot sooner ... Really, this installs generational impact," he said. "If they have kids, (their kids) are going to say, 'My mom (or) my dad went to college and they graduated from college. Now I can go to college.'"

Colorado's recidivism rate currently sits at 50% — the fourth highest in the nation, according to World Population Review. Martinez and other proponents of HB 23-1037 hope that percentage will decrease through the legislation. National data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics supports the notion that pursuit of education reduces the rate of recidivism.

One study tracking over 400,000 prisoners across 30 states found participation in prison education programs reduced recidivism by 43%. The recidivism rate for those who earned associate's degrees was 14.6%; the rate was 5.6% for those who earned bachelor's degrees and 0% for those who earned master's degrees.

Up to six higher education institutions may be authorized to administer degrees and credentials under HB 23-1037. Four institutions so far have been approved by the DOC. Two of them are in Pueblo and all four are in southern Colorado. Approved institutions include CSU Pueblo, PCC, Adams State University and Trinidad State College.

After five years, a review will be conducted to determine whether or not the DOC has resources to expand the program beyond the current authorization of six higher education institutions.

Currently, Adams State is the only school of the four with an accredited master's degree program for incarcerated individuals. There are no doctorate programs available, but that may change as programs expand.

Methods in which classes are conducted are multifaceted. Some courses require instructors to visit correctional facilities to lead face-to-face courses, while others may be conducted through video or mailing of coursework materials.

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Melanie Parlett, director of education for justice involved individuals at PCC, is a believer in higher education for incarcerated people.

Prior to working at PCC, she was an educator with the DOC. She has helped several incarcerated individuals earn a GED. Of those individuals, she said many lacked self-esteem growing up, were uninvolved in their schools and never thought earning a GED was attainable. However, once they earned it, things began to change.

"I saw a lot of them gaining so much confidence from getting their GED to wanting more college, wanting more opportunity ... I've seen it and I know that opportunity really can change their lives," she said.

In fall 2021, PCC became the second community college in the state to participate in Second Chance Pell, a federal program funding higher education opportunities for incarcerated individuals. PCC currently offers an associate's degree in behavioral health for inmates at the La Vista Correctional Facility and Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility.

This coming fall, PCC will begin a business ownership degree program for those incarcerated at La Vista Correctional Facility.

Through its independent study program, CSU Pueblo offers bachelor's degrees in criminology, sociology, business management and interdisciplinary studies. The university also offers a 15-credit-hour health and fitness certificate to help individuals pass fitness exams upon release.

While the health and fitness certificate does not count toward earned time under HB 23-1037, the four bachelor's degree programs do. Bachelor's degrees through CSU Pueblo's independent study program are not restricted to any one facility.

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Kathryn Starkey is the dean of extended studies, including programs for incarcerated individuals, at CSU Pueblo. She praised the new state bill for prioritizing education and being in line with the extended studies program's vision for those who have served time to lead a productive life after their release.

"The impacts of this bill, I think, can help ensure that our partnerships are fostering educational opportunities for credentials ... Everybody deserves an education and so this kind of helps us work toward that goal," she said.

Annie Skinner, spokesperson for the Colorado DOC, said providing education for inmates helps them grow professionally following their release and keeps communities safe by reducing crime.

"Having the skills and the education needed to find stable employment reduces the likelihood that a person released from prison will commit a new crime," Skinner said.

"Our department is committed to continuing to provide education and training to inmates who want to better themselves and chart a different path forward for their future."

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo colleges to help DOC inmates reduce sentences through degrees