Waupun Correctional Institution, Wisconsin
For the 2.3 million individuals currently incarcerated in the United States in federal or state prisons, education can be a driving force in changing the trajectory of their lives and propelling them towards successful reentry into society following release. It’s one of the reasons Trinity International University (TIU) collaborated with the Wisconsin Inmate Education Association (WIEA) to establish an extension site inside Waupun Correctional Institution, a maximum-security prison with 1,250 inmates in Waupun, Wisconsin. TIU offers a full-time, cohort-based, four-year Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a minor in Psychology to inmates who have already served three years and have at least seven years left of their sentence. The first graduation is set for this summer in July with 20 men expected to graduate from Trinity’s program. "The seniors are looking ahead to their post-graduation plans with anticipation,” said Sharon Vaught from WIEA. “Some have remarked how this is the first time in their lives they've ever finished anything. For most, it's the first time they've dreamt about their future.” The new graduates become “field mentors” who are available to mentor other inmates either at the Waupun Correctional Institution or at other correctional institutions where they may relocate after completing the program. Waupun Correctional Institution and Trinity International University Craig Long earned his PhD in New Testament Theological and Historical Studies at TEDS in 2013 and serves as Associate Dean of the Waupun Correctional Extension Site. He has been teaching at Waupun since fall 2017. “The mixture of pastoral and academic work connects all my passions,” said Long. “I enjoy the missions-focused element of engaging in an environment where only a small percentage of the population proclaim a Christian faith. I have the opportunity to interact with biblical text and lay out the story of Christianity.” For the men in the program, a college degree is a mark of tremendous accomplishment. “Over 70% of the inmates did not graduate from high school, but earned their high school equivalency while in prison,” explained Long. “Graduating will be a very significant victory and give them the skills to engage with those around them and make a kingdom impact.” Long receives teaching support from a local church in Waupun, Edgewood Community Church, that allows three staff members to teach classes as adjunct professors.
"Graduating will be a very significant victory and give inmates the skills to engage with those around them and make a kingdom impact."
—Craig Long PhD '13, Associate Dean, Waupun Correctional Extension Site