Bakersfield College saw its first Inmate Scholars Program cohort graduate on August 28, 2019. These seventeen inmate students at Kern Valley State Prison received their associate's degrees after making the decision to utilize this opportunity and better their future with education.
Bakersfield College serves individuals currently incarcerated in ten California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities.
Sara Wallace, English Professor, shares her insights from her experiences teaching inmates. Read her blog Reflections from Inside.
"We know that Bakersfield College volunteers to serve us and we want them to know we appreciate their work." Program Scholar
"We understand why the program exists and how we can create opportunity for other people currently incarcerated." Program Scholar
"For a few hours a week, we feel human again." Program Scholar
Spring 2015 | Fall 2017 | Projected Fall 2018 |
---|---|---|
1 Transferable Course | 12 Transferable Courses 10 CTE or Basic Skills Courses |
20 Transferable Courses 15 CTE or Basic Skills Courses |
1 Course Section | 32 Course Sections | 50 Course Sections |
1 Location | 8 Locations | 10 Locations |
1 Yard | 17 Yards | 23 Yards |
21 Students | 691 Students | 1,000 Students |
21 Enrollments | 965 Enrollments | 1,800 Enrollments |
President’s Blog