On May 23rd, Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, in partnership with Columbia-Greene Community College, held a commencement ceremony at Greene Correctional Facility, marking the achievement of 21 graduates earning their associates. The number of graduates tripled from 2023, highlighting the commitment of this group of students and all partners involved in ensuring the program’s success.
As Student Speaker Kevin B. graced the stage, he echoes sentiments of hope in his classmates. “One of the best decisions I’ve made since being incarcerated was joining college,” he stated. “I’ve never been to prison before and had no idea how I’d spend my time. But I knew I was going to come out a better man than who I was coming in.”
Founded in 1998, Hudson Link provides college education and reentry support for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people in New York State. By partnering with nine colleges, Hudson Link will help award over 150 degrees across six prisons this graduation season. They started offering pre-college and college courses at Greene Correctional Facility in 2014 and began partnering with Columbia-Greene Community shortly thereafter.
“With the help of outstanding partners like Columbia-Greene Community College, we can celebrate this year’s graduating class with great pride,” stated Sean Pica, Executive Director of Hudson Link. “Our students face daunting barriers while pursuing their degrees while incarcerated, but we believe that with a degree under their belt, they will be better equipped to overcome future challenges and have a second shot at success.”
The graduation recognized students who completed their Associate of Science in Individual Studies. Students endured the same rigorous coursework and met the same high standards as on-campus students to earn their degrees.
“Columbia-Greene Community College deeply values its partnership with Hudson Link, an organization that has been responsible for transforming hundreds of lives since 1998,” stated Dr. Carlee Drummer, President of Columbia-Greene Community College. “A Columbia-Greene education reaches beyond the prison walls, ensuring that incarcerated people returning to their communities have another chance to lead productive and meaningful lives.”
“We are incredibly proud of our graduates,” exclaimed Dr. Victoria Walsh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Columbia-Greene Community College. “Their degrees represent the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and dedication to learning which are important for the advancement of society. I add my congratulations to our graduates and their families on their admirable achievement.”
In addition to the college graduates, the ceremony also recognized students who earned high school equivalency diplomas and vocational certificates, highlighting the variety of rehabilitative programs offered at Greene Correctional Facility.
“By celebrating all the educational programs together, people in the HSE and vocational programs can witness the achievement of other incarcerated people obtaining their college degrees. They can begin to imagine themselves in those chairs and often feel motivated to continue their educational journeys. As an organization, we are committed to working with our partners to provide that opportunity to any individual while offering support with each step along the way,” shared Pica.
About Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison
Hudson Link (hudsonlink.org) empowers currently and formerly incarcerated people to realize their academic and economic potential by managing degree-granting college programs and providing essential reentry support. Established in 1998, Hudson Link has transformed over a thousand lives helping incarcerated people make a positive impact on their own lives, their families and communities, resulting in lower rates of recidivism, incarceration and poverty. Working with nine college partners, Hudson Link provides funding, management and organizational support for academic programs leading to a college degree at six correctional facilities. In addition to in-prison college programs, Hudson Link operates a strong portfolio of services for alumni, including transitional housing through an initiative called New Beginnings.
I just attended The Graduation held at Green Haven Correctional Facility on May 29, 2024. It was emotional and amazing; the best feeling a family member can receive after losing hope upon receiving a sentencing vertict of many years.
I enjoyed witnessing the joy, ambition to assist, structure, and discipline all graduates and non graduates from Hudson Link provided to all
the attendees at the event. Although I dont know all the immates personally, I sensed a joyous energy and goals to remodel the system. The positive vibe was phenomenal.
This degree is the beginning too many more accomplishments and continuous positive changes.
This is another achievement demonstrating fruitful rehabilitation.
On behalf of all the alumni that just graduated and family that witness this espectacular ceremony, THANK YOU!
This comment is my way of showing appreciation to all the people, staff and organizations for this opportunity and well deserved College Degree celebrations.
You awarded the Graduates and Family another reason to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Truly,
A proud family member of Victor Garcia, who gained an Associate Degree with High Honors.
Hi Olga!
Thank you for this comment! We are honored to lead in this transformative work, and we are extremely proud of all of our graduates in this season. Thank you for being a support system to Victor, and we will continue to advocate for Higher Education in Prison Programs across New York State. We are elated that you enjoyed the commencement.