First Group Of Offenders Earn College Degree At Riverbend Maximum Security Institution
First Group Of Offenders Earn College Degree At Riverbend ... tn.gov
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Offenders at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (RMSI) Earn College Degrees
History was made Tuesday evening as five offenders became the first cohort to earn college degrees at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (RMSI). Graduating with their Associate of Science in Business Administration from Nashville State Community College, the group joins over 200 other men and women who have earned a college degree behind the walls of a Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) prison.
Partnerships and Degree Programs
Through partnerships with over 10 colleges and universities, TDOC offers degree programs across the state that allow offenders the opportunity to earn associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
The Power of Education
“This is my favorite part of my job,” Rachel Riley-Coe, Assistant Commissioner of Rehabilitative Services, told the graduates. “I believe in the power of education. With education comes perseverance, with education comes strength, confidence, critical thinking, and dreams of what could be.”
TDOC’s Goals for Rehabilitation
It is the goal of TDOC under Commissioner Frank Strada to have associate and bachelor’s degree programs in every institution and expand the number of vocational classes available to the offender population. The department aims to increase pre-apprenticeship and work release programs to provide more earning and saving opportunities for offenders.
“One of Governor Lee’s priorities continues to be ensuring there is a pathway to a productive life beyond crime that will ultimately make our state a safer place, and the Tennessee Department of Correction, its staff, educators, and partners, join him in that mission,” said Commissioner Strada.
Continuing Education
Four of the graduates from RMSI will be furthering their education by continuing with Lipscomb University to complete their four-year degree.
Educational System and Public Safety
TDOC operates an educational system approved by the Tennessee Department of Education and provides Adult Basic Education, Career and Technical Education, and Post-Secondary Education at each facility across the state. Instructors hold valid Tennessee teacher’s licenses, and work to provide students with education and career training to increase public safety and reduce recidivism.
CLICK HERE to view video of the event.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.
-
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
- Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.
-
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.
Analysis
The article highlights the achievement of five offenders who earned college degrees at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (RMSI). Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 4: Quality Education
The article emphasizes the importance of education in the rehabilitation process and mentions that the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) offers degree programs in prisons. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article mentions the goal of TDOC to increase vocational classes and work release programs for offenders, providing them with earning and saving opportunities. This relates to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article mentions the goal of TDOC to reduce recidivism and promote a productive life beyond crime. This aligns with SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Based on the identified SDGs, the following targets and indicators can be associated with the article:
Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
This target is relevant to the article as it highlights the achievement of offenders earning college degrees in prison.
Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.
This indicator can be used to measure the progress towards ensuring equal access to education for offenders in prisons.
Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
This target is relevant as it reflects the goal of TDOC to provide vocational classes and work release programs to increase employment and training opportunities for offenders.
Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.
This indicator can be used to measure the progress towards reducing the proportion of offenders not engaged in education, employment, or training.
Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
This target is relevant as it reflects the goal of TDOC to promote a productive life beyond crime and reduce recidivism.
Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.
This indicator can be used to measure the progress towards ensuring equal access to justice for offenders and reducing violence within prison facilities.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. | Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms. |
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Source: tn.gov
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