Project Summary

The University of Scranton is continuing and expanding its accredited Associate of Arts degree program in Liberal Studies at SCI Dallas. This initiative provides incarcerated students with a rigorous liberal arts foundation through in-person coursework led by university faculty. Students engage in writing, communication, philosophy, theology, social sciences, and STEM, earning credits toward a full associate degree while developing skills for academic and professional advancement.

Mellon Foundation funding supports a portion of program operations from Summer 2025 through Spring 2026 as part of a broader commitment that will continue beyond this grant period, with additional institutional and philanthropic support sustaining the program long-term.

Key Activities

• Deliver credit-bearing instruction with full-time Scranton faculty.

• Enroll approximately 15 incarcerated students per cohort in three in-person courses each semester.

• Provide weekly on-site study halls offering academic advising, tutoring, and faculty mentorship.

• Maintain post-release educational pathways for students to pursue bachelor’s degrees at Scranton or partner institutions.

• Support ongoing program staffing, evaluation, and alignment with accreditation standards.

Impact

As one of the few fully accredited associate degree programs operating inside a Pennsylvania state prison, Scranton’s initiative provides consistent access to rigorous higher education. By combining strong institutional commitment, a selective admissions process, and robust student support, the program equips incarcerated learners with transferable skills and recognized credentials while modeling a sustainable approach to long-term prison education.