(FBOP) - In January 2025, four female inmates from SCP Victorville embarked on a new adventure—community college. These four pioneers are the first federal inmates to attend college outside of a correctional facility. Victorville Education staff worked diligently to launch this program to further enhance reentry opportunities with local community partners. In December 2024, the inmates participated in college orientation to give them insight into campus life and academic expectations. Four months later, these highly motivated individuals have already set a high bar—completing multiple courses in Kinesiology, Chemistry, Algebra, and English, just to name a few.
In April 2008, the Second Chance Act was signed into law, embodying the fundamental belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild their lives ("a second chance") and create a better future—even incarcerated individuals. A decade later, the First Step Act was signed, reauthorizing and expanding the Second Chance Act to provide broader access to rehabilitative programs and reentry services.
Through this newly revised initiative, institutions partnered with non-profit and private organizations, including faith-based and community-based organizations, to deliver comprehensive support systems aimed at reducing recidivism. These partnerships facilitate mentorship, job training, substance abuse treatment, and educational programs, ensuring that individuals reenter society with the skills and resources necessary for successful reintegration.
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has long provided inmates with access to occupational training programs, job-specific certification courses, and accredited college classes within correctional facilities. However, through a groundbreaking partnership with a California college, inmates can now participate in educational programs within the community while still serving their sentences—marking a significant shift in rehabilitation and reentry opportunities. This community college showcases its dedication to its stakeholders by welcoming and providing access to opportunities. They are leading the charge in innovation, fostering success, civic engagement, and community impact through outstanding student experiences.
This is just the beginning. Since the launch of this partnership, 12 more inmates from FCC Victorville have enrolled in offsite vocational training, expanding access to education and strengthening reentry success through meaningful community engagement.
April marks Second Chance Act Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the efforts of those paving the way for rehabilitation and reentry. As the month comes to an end, we honor these pioneers and encourage ongoing support for both existing and emerging initiatives in education and vocational training—within and beyond our institutions. Only through sustained commitment can we cultivate true reentry success.