Sponsored Institutions - Stories

By Sarah Stanley
Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Siena Heights University
 

December 18, 2024, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University (SHU) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the State of Michigan to expand its Rising Education Program (REP) in partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). 

This grant will further the university’s efforts to provide four-year baccalaureate programs to incarcerated persons at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility and Cooper Street Correctional Facility – both in Jackson, Michigan – furthering the university’s commitment to making higher education accessible to all.

The newly awarded grant will expand Siena Heights University’s partnership with MDOC and underscore a commitment to rehabilitation through education. The funds will be used to ensure a greater number of individuals can benefit from this important initiative. By expanding program capacity, the university aims to offer more students the opportunity to pursue a degree, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful reintegration into society. 
 
Since February 2022, Siena Heights University has provided access to credit-earning classes as part of an MDOC-approved Prison Education Program. The Rising Education Program is an extension of the federal Second Chance Pell Program and a partnership between MDOC and Jackson College. 

As an established provider within the program, Siena Heights University has successfully educated multiple cohorts of students, enabling them to earn their bachelor's degrees in business administration during their incarceration. 
 
“We are excited about the opportunities this grant presents for expanding our Rising Education Program and reaching a greater number of students in need,” said Dr. Cheri Betz, Executive Vice President. “At Siena Heights University, we are committed to the transformative impact of education. This funding provides the means to effectively advance our mission of providing quality higher education through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.” 
 
Dr. Douglas Palmer, President of Siena Heights University, added: “This grant represents a significant step forward in our mission to extend the power of education to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. We believe education is a key factor in rehabilitation and personal growth, and this funding will help us expand our efforts to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those incarcerated.” 

Siena Heights University, located in Adrian, Michigan, is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and personal growth. With a mission to make higher education affordable and accessible, it offers a range of programs designed to empower students and support their educational journeys regardless of their circumstances. 
 
The Michigan Department of Corrections is committed to public safety and the rehabilitation of incarcerated persons. Through various educational and vocational programs, the MDOC provides individuals with tools to lead productive lives upon their release. 

For further details about Siena Heights University’s Rising Education Program, please contact Jim Gornick, Director of the Corrections Education Program, at [email protected]. For information on other educational offerings from Siena Heights University, please visit www.sienaheights.edu. 
 

Caption for above feature photo: May 2024 Siena Heights University graduates from Cotton Correctional Facility in Jackson, Michigan, proudly wear caps and gowns.
Photo Courtesy of Siena Heights University