Unlocking Pathways

From jail to college: expanding access in Western Massachusetts

In 2025, CORE was awarded an 18-month planning grant from Ascendium Education Philanthropy to deepen our regional work. This grant supports a structured planning process to develop a coordinated, jail-to-college ecosystem across Western Massachusetts.

With this support, we are:

Convening a Regional Advisory Council and a Student Advisory Council
Conducting a needs assessment across 4 jails in 3 counties
Developing articulation agreements and data-sharing protocols with colleges and sheriffs
Hosting convenings to align systems and strategies across education, corrections, and community organizations.

Producing a Collective Impact Framework and Strategic Alignment Plan to guide long-term implementation

Ascendium logo

This initiative is made possible through the generous support of Ascendium Education Group

Why This Work Matters

Education is already in motion—access needs to catch up.

A 2022 survey of 346 incarcerated learners in two Western Mass jails showed:

60% were academically eligible for college

1 in 3 had already taken college courses

Western Mass holds the need—and the opportunity.

In 2023, over 6,000 people entered Hampden County jails—many serving 6 to 18 months, long enough to earn college credit or build momentum.

13% of state prison releases returned to Hampden County, though the region makes up just 7% of the state’s population.*

*(Massachusetts Department of Correction, 2023).

What We’re Building Together

Open credit-bearing college pathways for learners incarcerated in local jails

Connect jails, colleges, and reentry networks with shared vision and purpose

Ensure every learner has a fair chance to learn, lead, and succeed