Through a transformative educational initiative called the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, Gwynedd Mercy University students have been gaining unique perspectives about social justice and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, according to a staff report from GMercyU.

The international program brings incarcerated and non-incarcerated students together as peers and facilitates dialogue and education across profound social differences.

Until this semester, however, only students at state correctional institutions have earned college credits toward the program.

Now, “inside” students housed in a federal facility can also earn college credits, thanks to Dr. Patrick McGrain, Associate Professor and Criminal Justice Program Coordinator at GMercyU, and Peter Lawrie, Associate Warden at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia.

“Offering inside students college credits recognizes that education is one of the pillars of rehabilitation,” said Dr. McGrain. “Education reduces re-offense rates and, therefore, incarceration costs. There is no cost for the inside students; this is a way for us as a Mercy Institution to give back to society.”

Read more about the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program from Gwynedd Mercy University.

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