Nine students at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center were the first to earn Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degrees from Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) this June. The students celebrated their achievement at a spring graduation ceremony at Coyote Ridge on June 2.
This achievement was made possible by a unique partnership between WWCC, the Department of Corrections, and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
“Getting a bachelor’s degree has been a far-flung hope until now,” says Kollin, one of the graduates from the B.A.S. program. “Education has changed the way I think, plan and pursue my goals.”
Coyote Ridge is a pilot location for the Second Chance Pell Experiment, which makes Federal Pell Grants available to incarcerated students. That funding allowed WWCC to create the B.A.S. program at Coyote Ridge, making a bachelor’s degree a new possibility for students in the corrections system.
The program has rolling admission and enrolls students as their funding is awarded. Coyote Ridge expects to enroll around two to three students per quarter moving forward.
Education is life-changing
WWCC has education and training centers at two correctional facilities: Coyote Ridge in Connell and the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.
WWCC’s programs focus on providing incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain full-time employment upon release. That includes things like:
- Basic education to improve literacy.
- GED preparation and testing.
- High school diplomas.
- Vocational education and job training.
- Academic education, including associate and bachelor’s degrees.
Additionally, both sites provide a course specifically designed to help students with reentry and life skills they’ll need when released.
“Education is a vital component of an individual’s successful reentry,” says Kristen Morgan, Education Services Administrator for the Washington State Department of Corrections. “The Department is grateful to partner with the dedicated Corrections Education team at WWCC for their investment in students to learn, grow, and be empowered for their future beyond incarceration.”
In addition to the nine B.A.S. graduates, this year at Coyote Ridge, 96 students have earned their GEDs or high school diplomas; 42 have earned certificates in automotive repair, digital design, entrepreneurship, HVACR technology or welding; 29 have earned associate degrees in business, welding, or human and social services.
At the Washington State Penitentiary, 137 students have earned their GEDs or high school diplomas; 26 have completed a construction trades apprenticeship; 71 have earned certificates in collision repair, diesel technology, digital design, entrepreneurship, HVACR technology or welding; and 18 have earned associate degrees in business or welding.
“Ninety-seven percent of people currently incarcerated across the state of Washington will be released,” notes Dean of Corrections Education Denise Kammers. “Of those, individuals with education are far less likely to reoffend and reenter the prison system.”
“Education has put me in a position to re-enter society and have a fighting chance at meaningful employment and return to a normal life,” says Erick, one of the B.A.S. graduates from Coyote Ridge.
“Education has changed how I view daily life,” agrees James, another B.A.S. graduate. “It provides me with critical thinking skills that help me analyze and navigate all kinds of situations.”
The journey forward
Daniel “Quest” Jolliffe graduated from the Coyote Ridge program with an Associate of Arts degree in General Education in 2014. “I realized that I would be walking out of prison with nothing and that an education might actually better my chances for success and navigating life.”
The classes were phenomenal, he says, and helped improve his critical thinking skills. “This has translated quite well to real world interactions, goals and challenges,” he adds.
Since his release almost five years ago, his degree has helped him to start three businesses, think through complex projects, and consult with King County on projects related to construction and demolition debris.
Jolliffe spoke at the June 2 graduation ceremony at Coyote Ridge and encouraged graduates not to let the daily obstacles they will face hold them back: “We can switch how we view these things and simply welcome what we already know is a standard part of life—our challenges—and recognize that we only become smarter, stronger, better and more capable because of them.”
In a letter read at the ceremony, Governor Jay Inslee congratulated the graduating class on their remarkable achievement.
“Education opens so many doors,” he wrote. “It provides students with the tools to thrive in our society and contribute in meaningful ways to the betterment of our communities. Walla Walla Community College’s Coyote Ridge program offers incarcerated individuals the opportunity to develop professional skills that will benefit not only themselves upon release, but our state as a whole.
“Through this program, Walla Walla Community College and the Washington State Department of Corrections are helping to ensure that incarcerated individuals in our state can take concrete steps to grow as people and position themselves for success after they serve their sentence.”
Currents B.A.S. students have plans to open their own businesses, invest in real estate, pursue master’s degrees, interview for better jobs and even go to veterinary school when they’re released.
“I advise other incarcerated students to remain flexible and good at pivoting during your education journey,” says B.A.S. graduate Oscar. “There are always unpredictable factors that will enter into your education experience. Some are positive; others are negative. That’s life. Instead of making a choice to be discouraged, intentionally choose to remain engaged in your commitment to better your life. You will be successful.”