SUNY JCC Helping WNY Inmates Obtain A Free College Degree

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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) – SUNY JCC in Jamestown has partnered with a correctional facility to help inmates obtain a free college degree.

The new effort is made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

So far, around 50 convicts at Collins Correctional Facility have initially shown interest in the program.

According to the college, providing education in prison reduces the likelihood of recidivism. This increases public safety and saves taxpayer dollars.

In fact, a 2018 study from the RAND corporation estimated that for every dollar spent in correctional education programs, four to five dollars were saved on three-year reincarceration costs.