Pace University”™s Criminal Justice Department in Pleasantville and Valhalla joined with the Westchester County Department of Correction (WCDOC) to complete an Inside-Out course where Pace students learned in tandem with incarcerated students.
This was one of the very few Inside-Out programs able to operate nationally during the pandemic. Students participated virtually in a criminal justice course earning all participants three college credits for their successful completion. Six inside students from the county jail and 11 outside students from Pace University graduated April 27.
The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, based at Temple University, brings together incarcerated students and campus-based students for a semester-long learning experience. There are more than 150 colleges and universities that participate in the program around the world.
Kimberly Collica-Cox, Ph.D., a criminal justice professor at Pace University, became an Inside-Out instructor last year for courses that maintain a focus on theories of crime and crime typologies, as well as criminal justice policy.
Typically, Pace students take this course at the jail alongside incarcerated men and women. This year, however, the pandemic necessitated the use of innovate tools to maintain course integrity, while preserving the safety and health of all students.
While the majority of correctional institutions do not allow for the use of internet-based services, the WCDOC continues to be a leader in correctional programming and creative learning practices by allowing for the use of technology, according to Collica-Cox.
“The impact of education goes beyond the walls of incarceration,” said Nory Padilla, irst deputy commissioner, Westchester County Department of Correction. “Education has profound life-changing benefits particularly for the incarcerated population. WCDOC is committed to rehabilitation and we welcome the opportunity to partner with Pace University and Dr. Collica-Cox”¦.”
