Testimonials

Having been incarcerated now for 20 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the difference higher education programs make in prison and what happens when they disappear. A fully functioning higher education program of Liberal Arts especially, creates an atmosphere of striving for knowledge and improvement. It has ripple effects that permeate the rest of the prison population.

The presence of higher education in prison gives us a chance to radically change our lives for the betterment of everyone. Other inmates see there is another way, one of dignity and true respect, rather than just fear. This creates a subcultural pathway back into society, undermining the predominant criminal prison culture. It gives us a chance to replace our criminal cultural values of strength and cunning for values like cooperation, empathy, reason, and discipline. We begin to see in ourselves and each other the character traits that are the very foundation of community and civilization, and come to understand their value. It is through higher education that we grow to understand the value of society and thereafter our anti-social opposition.

My years of experience have taught me that strenuous, rigorous education in critical thinking is the only effective deterrent to crime. We don’t all recognize this immediately. Many of us need convincing that education itself is an investment with enormous returns. Higher education itself is the best convincer toward its own value. The convincing grows easier when it is clear to everyone that the community, that society, understands this and anticipates our return to society with wise foresight.

Sincerely,
Salt Lake Community College Student, Draper Prison

I have been a student of SLCC since 2017. I had no idea SLCC would accept me at the time due to my low academic scores. Upon interview of starting my first semester, I realized how the Managing Director David Bokovoy’s sincerely in getting my on the right track. Despite my doubts and my special education background, Bokovoy reassured me that… You can do this, and it was in the best interest of SLCC to see me succeed and that they will work with me.

I’m proud to report that since that day I have improved in all areas of academics with Math being my most challenged subject making the Honor Roll. I’m also the first person to go to college in my family. I’m about two more semesters away from that big day and I have not told my Mother because I would love to give her my degree as a Mother’s Day surprise. I want her to be proud of me.

I am more confident and now believe I can do it. SLCC has changed my life because they chose to work with me, accepting my learning challenges and doubts. The professors are amazing in how they are teaching. I have learned so much; it has started to bleed into my daily conversations and letters I write. When I talk with family on the phone that have no idea I’m in school, they compliment my input and “level of insight."

SLCC has also increased the potential in my future employment moving forward. I hope to continue my education with SLCC and that others can benefit from the opportunity the college has laid out for us. So to all those associated with the development of the prison ed. Program, Thank you so very much!