KSNB Story Link: 12 Correctional Center Women snag college degrees while behind bars

York College Graduation Photos (Taken by: York College): Link HERE

York College full article: Link HERE

NDCS Full Video of Graduation: Watch HERE

There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Congratulations to the women at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW) as they worked incredibly hard to pave a better future for themselves and their families. Education is key in preventing recidivism. Events like these are a perfect example of why we do what we do at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

Twelve women living at NCCW graduated with their associate's degrees. This was the first program of its kind at York College in York, Nebraska. The program took three-and-a-half years to complete, hundreds of hours of volunteer time from professors at York College, and a major effort to make this happen by staff at NCCW. The women were greeted by a large portion of the incarcerated population cheering them on as they walked into the ceremony. High fives, hugs and happy tears were flowing during this significant day. The second class of future college students has been selected to begin their own journey on earning their degrees as well.

Thank you to York College for your dedication to these women. This program wouldn't have been possible without your educators and funding for this program.