School's in Session: Second Chance Pell Grant Program Kicks Off at Montana State Prison

• Alexandria Klapmeier
• September 12 2022

This fall, students in secure facilities under the supervision of the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) will have the chance to achieve their college dreams through the Second Chance Pell Grant Program offered in partnership with the Montana University System and the DOC.

In the 2022-23 academic year, the Second Chance Pell Grant program will allow a maximum of 10 students from four DOC facilities to take college courses and be eligible for the federal Pell Grant. The first group of 10 students from Montana State Prison began their course work through Helena College on Aug. 29 in the Certificate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology program.

“This is a great opportunity for people under our supervision to continue their education and improve their skills so they can have more employment opportunities when they leave our facilities,” DOC Director Brian Gootkin said. “We’re excited to help these offenders fill the employment gaps in Montana with the skills they gain through training with Montana Correctional Enterprises (MCE) and now with additional skills from our collegiate partners.”

DOC Deputy Director Cynthia Wolken added: “Every person who comes to us should leave with the opportunities and skills to never come back to us. This educational opportunity will play an important role in accomplishing that goal.”

A Pell Grant is a form of federal financial aid available to all students with financial need. Previously, incarcerated students in a federal or state prison could not access these funds.

With a recent expansion of the Second Chance Pell Program, the U.S. Department of Education selected Great Falls College, Montana State University Billings, Helena College, and Dawson Community College to provide postsecondary instruction to incarcerated students through the DOC.

“Higher education is a proven pathway for reducing recidivism, improving employment opportunities after release, and providing the necessary skills and training for successful re-entry,” said Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian. “Providing high-quality educational opportunities to students from all walks of life is central to everything we do in the Montana University System. I’m happy our colleges and universities are joining the Department of Corrections to improve outcomes for individuals and communities.”  

Despite being in Deer Lodge, Helena College Dean Sandra Bauman said the students at MSP will receive the same learning experience as if they were in Helena. The students can attend classroom lectures thanks to smart boards and other technology while they complete the hands-on portion led by the MCE team. Bauman said this credential allows students to earn a "stackable" certificate for future usage.

“This provides the right training to get into the automotive industry, but it also provides an opportunity for anyone who wants to continue their education and earn an associate degree,” Bauman said. "From there, the sky is the limit. This is a university system program, so there is lot of transferable coursework. Students can continue to build upon that education as they like."    

Ty Jensen, who recently completed the welding course at MSP, is looking forward to taking the classes as he works toward his eventual dream of owning a fabrication and auto body shop.

"I believe it will be an essential part of my success,” he said. “It’ll help give me the skills and the ability to have a career and to stay out and never come back.”