DPSCS Celebrates Historic Graduation at Jessup Correctional Institution

October 6, 2023

Contact: mark.vernarelli@maryland.gov , latoya.gray@maryland.gov

[JESSUP, MARYLAND] - The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is proud to announce a historic milestone in its commitment to rehabilitating and educating incarcerated individuals. This month, DPSCS celebrated the very first graduation for incarcerated students of the University of Baltimore (UB) at Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI), a maximum-security facility dedicated to expanding educational programs and services.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Andrea Cantora, this program was initiated before the pandemic, demonstrating the dedication and resilience of the students and the faculty involved. UB, led by former Baltimore mayor Kurt Schmoke, has been a steadfast education partner in this unique endeavor.

The graduation ceremony marked a significant achievement for the incarcerated individuals who earned their degrees entirely within the confines of JCI. These men have demonstrated determination and perseverance, overcoming numerous challenges to acquire their education.

DPSCS acknowledges the invaluable contributions of its higher education partners, which include several other colleges, in making this achievement possible. The Reentry and Transition Services unit of DPSCS is committed to expanding educational programs to provide returning citizens with the tools they need to succeed when they reenter society.

extend our gratitude to the JCI administration, the dedicated correctional officers, and the Department of Labor education personnel, whose unwavering dedication and support have played a crucial role in making programs like this a resounding success.

This historic graduation event underscores DPSCS's unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for incarcerated individuals to better themselves through education, ultimately contributing to safer communities and successful reentry into society.

For media inquiries, please contact: mark.vernarelli@maryland.gov , latoya.gray@maryland.gov