NEWBURGH – Mount Saint Mary College signed documents to officially begin a partnership with Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison on Friday, January 24, giving nearly two dozen incarcerated men the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. Hudson Link and Mount Saint Mary College will facilitate the program at Shawangunk Correctional Facility.
Hudson Link is based in Ossining, N.Y. The nonprofit provides college education, life skills, and reentry support to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals to help them make a positive impact on their lives, their families, and their communities. Hudson Link aims to lower rates of recidivism, incarceration, and poverty.
Michael Olivette, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Mount, and Sarah Uzelac, Chair of the Division of Social Sciences and professor of Psychology, worked with Hudson Link to enroll the Mount in the program. “This fits really well with our mission of service,” said Olivette. “It’s consistent with our notion of education for all, and educating the whole person.”
In June of last year, 11 men incarcerated at Shawangunk Correctional Facility graduated with an associate’s degree from SUNY Ulster. Starting in January 2020, Mount professors will begin these students on their journey to a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. In addition, Mount professors will also teach ten more men who have completed associate degrees through earlier programs. These 21 men are scheduled to complete the degree in two years. “By participating in this program, these men are increasing their employability upon their release from prison,” explained Olivette.
Uzelac echoed Olivette’s sentiments: “Our Dominican foundation calls for us to make a commitment to social justice, education, and simply to do all we can to help make our communities the strongest they can be – especially by reaching out to underserved populations.”
She added that as part of the Hudson Link program, the Mount will “elevate others and create opportunity for post-incarceration life. Beyond the influence of our Dominican heritage, Social Science research is very clear that educating incarcerated people reduces recidivism and crime rates.”
According to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, 41 percent of people return to prison within three years of release. The recidivism rate for those who have gone through the Hudson Link program is less than 3 percent in two decades.
“This really does cut down on the possibility of them returning,” said Olivette. “If we can help contribute to that, we’re doing the right thing.”
Sean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link, notes that the program isn’t only about preparing these students for life after prison – it also helps to improve the community. “Ninety-five percent of people in prison are going to be released one day,” he explained. “So the question becomes, how do we want them back? Do we want them educated and ready for success outside of prison, or do we want them without marketable skills and at risk for re-offending? By offering education to the incarcerated, we are investing in more productive citizens, healthier families, and safer neighborhoods.”
Joel Jimenez, Hudson Link’s program director, added that the organization is excited to begin this partnership with the Mount. “Pursuing a college degree while incarcerated is incredibly difficult, and our students at Shawangunk have proven they are willing to rise to the occasion,” he said. “I am thrilled that we’ll now be able to offer them the benefits of a bachelor’s degree education from our partners at the Mount, who so clearly understand the value of what we are trying to do behind the walls.”
