Princeton University Partners with NJ Prisons to Provide Laptops for Incarcerated Students
In a heartwarming gesture of support and empowerment, Princeton University has generously donated 52 laptops and other essential technology equipment to incarcerated college students in two of New Jersey’s state prisons. The donations, a part of the New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Education in Prisons consortium (NJ-STEP), are set to equip mobile computer labs at the East Jersey State Prison in Woodbridge and the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Hunterdon County.
Jill Stockwell, the associate director of the Princeton Prison Teaching Initiative, expressed the university’s admiration for the dedication and perseverance of the incarcerated students on their educational journeys. She highlighted the significance of the donation in providing these students with the tools necessary to enhance their educational experiences and prepare them for the future.
The Impact of Technology in Prison Education
The laptops provided by Princeton University will serve approximately 300 incarcerated undergraduate students who previously did not have access to such technology. These students will now be able to utilize the computers each semester for various academic activities, including conducting research, drafting essays, and exploring new subjects. Ali Muslim, an alum of the Princeton Prison Teaching program and a Rutgers University graduate, shared his personal experience of transitioning from incarceration to the outside world without prior exposure to laptops.
Muslim emphasized the critical role that technology plays in facilitating reintegration into society, particularly in a digital age. By incorporating laptops into prison education, students will develop essential skills that are vital for success in the 21st-century job market and academic environments. This initiative not only enhances independent learning but also fosters a sense of preparedness for the challenges that lie ahead for these individuals upon their release.
The Princeton Prison Teaching Initiative: A Beacon of Hope
Established in 2005, the Princeton Prison Teaching Initiative has been instrumental in providing post-secondary education to incarcerated students in New Jersey. Through volunteer instruction for accredited courses offered by Raritan Valley Community College and Rutgers School of Criminal Justice, the initiative aims to empower incarcerated individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary for personal growth and future success.
Furthermore, the program has expanded to offer internships for formerly incarcerated students at Princeton University, focusing on digital literacy and technology coaching. This holistic approach not only equips students with academic skills but also provides them with practical training and support for their transition back into society.
NJ-STEP: A Collaborative Effort for Positive Change
The NJ-STEP initiative, a collaboration between various higher education institutions in New Jersey, works in partnership with the state Department of Corrections and the New Jersey State Parole Board to offer higher education courses to incarcerated individuals. The program not only facilitates access to education while in prison but also supports students in their journey towards earning a college degree and reintegration into society post-incarceration.
Chris Agans, the director of NJ-STEP, emphasized the collective benefits of the initiative, including increased public safety, community revitalization, intergenerational education, and economic empowerment. The unique public-private partnership established by the consortium underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to creating positive change and opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.
In Conclusion
The donation of laptops by Princeton University to incarcerated college students in New Jersey represents a significant step towards promoting educational equity and empowerment within the prison system. By providing access to essential technology and educational resources, institutions like Princeton and initiatives like NJ-STEP are paving the way for positive transformation and opportunities for incarcerated individuals seeking a second chance at success and fulfillment.
