New Prison Education Program started at Sheridan Correctional Center

There’s a new education program being taught at Sheridan Correctional Center. IDOC Educational Program Manager Maria Miller says nineteen students from Lewis University in Romeoville could earn a bachelor’s degree while learning how to develop professional skills. Millers says students could earn a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies.

Miler says the Sheridan Correctional Center was picked to have the classes because there aren’t many there.

She says although the students have a criminal record, it’s not a factor into why a student can or can’t participate in the program. Students applied for a Second Chance Pell Grant through the university, which allows someone to get a college education while in prison. The Pell grant application was extended by the US Department of Education. The grants help the students with costs for materials.