Ohio incarcerated population given chance to pursue UA degree
In a groundbreaking initiative, The University of Akron (UA) has partnered with Ohio’s prison system to offer incarcerated individuals a rare opportunity: the chance to earn an associate degree while serving their time.
This innovative program is the result of a collaborative effort between UA, Ohio Penal Industries (OPI) at Madison Correctional Facility, Summit Glove of Minerva and American Nitrile of Grove City.
OPI and Summit Glove have partnered with the College of Engineering and Polymer Science at UA to provide online training for inmates. The courses are taught like traditional online courses, providing a back and forth between the professors and students, despite incarceration. Participating students can earn an Associate of Technical Studies from the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Sadhan Jana, associate vice president for research and business engagement and BF Goodrich endowed professor in the
School of Polymer Science and Polymer Enginering expressed his eagerness to share this opportunity. “UA is happy to embrace this opportunity to contribute to the intellectual growth of incarcerated adults while they are serving their time. We are glad that they can get a degree and go take up a job in the polymer industries where there is a shortage of such skills.”
Ann King, chief of industries at OPI, elaborated that these are not easy courses, and the students are working hard to earn this degree. “At OPI, we want to provide this opportunity to anyone interested in obtaining a degree.”
OPI employs roughly 1,200 incarcerated adults in 31 different operations in 12 Ohio prisons. OPI is a program through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, that seeks to reduce recidivism by enabling incarcerated adults to acquire real life skills and experience that make them better prepared to maintain employment after they are released.
“Training and education are a big part of what we do every day for our incarcerated workers,” explained King. “Studies show that education, training and certifications are what help reduce recidivism. So that’s what we are trying to do and what Ohio Penal Industries is all about.”
The program has already shown considerable promise, with faculty feedback praising the students’ progress and dedication. Despite the challenges of limited internet access at OPI, the students have remained motivated, driven by the hope of a brighter future.
Two of the program’s participants, Lloyd Black and Jeremiah Bitner, shared their experiences with the polymer science courses. Both men, who had no prior experience in the field, speak highly of the transformative power of the program.
Black highlighted the value of gaining a new perspective and the sense of community fostered through the courses. Bitner, who is set to be released in about a year, expressed his excitement for the hands-on lab experiences and the potential job opportunities that await him.
For the incarcerated individuals involved, this program represents more than just an opportunity to earn a degree. It’s a lifeline,
offering them hope, skill and the promise of a better future. As they work toward their associate degrees and prepare for life after release, they are not just changing their own lives but also contributing to society in a meaningful way. This program is a testament to the power of education to transform lives, proving that no matter the circumstances, there is always a path to redemption and success.
Story by Bree Sabin