{"id":225259,"date":"2025-11-12T14:16:23","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T00:16:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=225259"},"modified":"2025-11-12T14:17:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T00:17:50","slug":"windward-cc-official-prison-education-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/11\/12\/windward-cc-official-prison-education-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Windward CC<\/abbr> designated as official prison education program"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> < 1<\/span> minute<\/span><\/span>
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Graduates and supporting team of the Puʻuhonua<\/span> Program. (Photo credit Rosemarie Bernardo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A quiet revolution is unfolding behind the secure walls of Hawaiʻi\u2019s<\/span> correctional facilities, defined not by confinement, but by opportunity. Windward Community College has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as an official Prison Education Program (PEP<\/abbr>) provider. This unlocks access to federal Pell Grants for incarcerated students at the Women\u2019s Community Correctional Center and Halawa Correctional Facility.<\/p>\n

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Windward Community College’s main entrance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Through rigorous, college-level courses and tailored degree pathways, Windward CC<\/abbr>\u2019s program meets federal standards for academic quality and credit transferability. It helps incarcerated individuals build confidence, develop critical thinking abilities and acquire practical, transferable skills\u2014preparing students for continued education and meaningful employment after release.<\/p>\n

‘Powerful tool’<\/h2>\n

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change lives, grow healthy communities and reduce recidivism,” said Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “This designation allows us to expand access, promote equity and give our students\u2014regardless of circumstance\u2014the chance to pursue their goals and contribute positively to their families and communities.”<\/p>\n

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Entrance sign for the Women’s Community Correctional Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PEP<\/abbr>\u2019s commitment to second chances and personal transformation helps to create meaningful pathways from incarceration to reintegration. The program also addresses the educational needs of the Hawaiʻi<\/span> Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.<\/p>\n

With every class completed and every credit earned, students gain not only knowledge, but also hope: hope for meaningful employment, a return to their communities with purpose, and the chance to write a new chapter in their lives.
\nFor more information about Windward CC<\/abbr>\u2019s Prison Education Program, contact Puʻuhonua<\/span> Coordinator Haunani Reed (tpelekai@hawaii.edu<\/a>) or visit https:\/\/windward.hawaii.edu\/puuhonua\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n