California State University, Fullerton is expanding college opportunities for formerly incarcerated people by adopting Project Rebound, a program led by San Francisco State University, the CSUF News Center reported.
“As an institution that embraces academic excellence and respects and supports diverse scholars and students from all backgrounds, California State University, Fullerton looks forward to welcoming students who are seeking a second chance through higher education,” said Mildred Garcia, president of the college.
Planning its first Project Rebound for students enrolled in spring of 2017, the university will have a staff of formerly incarcerated people for its three-year pilot program. The program assists students with textbook stipends, transportation, meal vouchers, financial aid, academic advising, housing, employment, and legal aid, the CSUF News Center stated.
“I am proud to partner with San Francisco State and our other CSU sister campuses in supporting this historically underserved population and confident Project Rebound adds to our legacy of purveying equitable access to higher education for all those who seek it,” said Garcia.
Based on a RAND study on correction education, the recidivism rate is reduced by 51 percent for parolees who participate in college programs. Specifically, “the number of Project Rebound students who returned to prison was just 3 percent,” the CSUF News Center said.
“When a person leaves prison, they’re often told, ‘Just go out there and do the right thing,’” said Jason Bell, Project Rebound program director, who was formerly incarcerated. “But how do you accomplish that if you don’t have places to help you do what’s considered the ‘right thing?’ Education is definitely one of those places, and Project Rebound has been a pioneer in making sure those leaving the criminal justice system have access.”
Expanding access is critical, said Airto Morales, a Project Rebound alumni and Data Specialist, who had been incarcerated for 10 years. “When you come to a university, which is a huge place, after living on a prison yard for so many years, to be able to walk into an office and know that there is someone who understands what you’re going through helps a lot.”
“CSU Project Rebound aims to create that access and support to make higher education a reality for these individuals. And by supporting such students, Rebound will play a part in building stronger, safer communities,” said Brady Heiner, an assistant professor of philosophy, who oversees the Project Rebound program at the Fullerton university.
The program expansion is funded through a $500,000 “Renewing Communities” grant that is supported by nine states and national foundations, the CSUF News Services noted.
Working to expand Project Rebound at others CSU campuses next year, Bell plans to establish program leaders and student enrollment at each site, the CSUF News Center reported.
