Inaugural NSP cohort graduates SCC program
June 5, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Fifteen students at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) graduated on Tuesday with a Business Administration Certificate from Southeast Community College (SCC). This is the first cohort to graduate from the six-class certificate program at a Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facility. All the graduates are currently enrolled in classes toward an associate of arts in academic transfer or an associate of applied science in business.
“Education is key to transforming lives,” said Director Rob Jeffreys. “We know reentry success outcomes significantly increase when individuals participate in correctional education programs. This partnership with SCC gives students tangible skills—and hope—for their future.”
SCC faculty, NDCS leaders and families of the graduates attended the graduation ceremony at NSP, which included commencement addresses from eight of the students. Three students graduated with distinction and two were recognized for their military service.
“SCC is very pleased to work with NDCS as a partner in providing higher education to incarcerated individuals,” said Dr. Joel Michaelis, SCC vice president of instruction. “It has long been proven that higher education significantly reduces the rate of recidivism, and of course, we are happy to play a part in that for our community. But more importantly, we are excited to be able to offer these graduates the opportunity for growth and self-discovery that comes through the attainment of higher education and the satisfaction and well-deserved pride that attainment brings them.”
Beginning in the spring 2024 semester, NDCS partnered with SCC to expand higher education access to individuals incarcerated in five southeast Nebraska facilities/locations: NSP, Reception and Treatment Center (RTC), Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW), Community Corrections Center – Lincoln (CCC-L) and the Center for People for CCC-L residents. Classes are held in person and on a similar schedule as SCC’s other campuses.
In July 2024, SCC became the first institution in Nebraska, and one of the first nationwide, to gain approval from the U.S. Department of Education for a Pell-eligible Prison Education Program (PEP). This approval falls under the 2023 Pell-eligibility reinstatement criteria.
Across NDCS facilities, 572 students have been served since the partnership between NDCS and SCC began, and 179 students were enrolled in the Spring 2025 semester.