Project Summary

Bucks County Community College is launching one of Pennsylvania’s first fully online higher education programs in a correctional setting. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in distance learning, Bucks will offer incarcerated students access to certificate-track courses in high-demand fields and short-term continuing education modules. The initiative combines open educational resources, secure technology, and faculty training to ensure students can pursue credentials that connect directly to workforce opportunities and further study after release.

Key Activities

• Certificate-track courses in business analytics, entrepreneurship, management, and digital marketing, using open educational resources.

• Continuing education modules through the Ed2Go platform, designed to extend beyond incarceration.

• Secure technology installation, including laptops adapted to jail security requirements.

• Faculty preparation for teaching in correctional settings.

• Access to student supports such as tutoring, advising, and IT services.

Impact

By introducing a digital-first model in a county correctional facility, Bucks is expanding access to higher education in a setting where options have been scarce. Students will gain practical skills and credentials that support employment and continued study, while also connecting to academic and career supports that extend after release. With strong backing from county officials, the program demonstrates how community colleges can leverage online expertise to create a replicable model for expanding educational opportunities across Pennsylvania.