Medaille College News

Medaille College has established an instructional program for female inmates at Albion Correctional Facility in Albion, NY. In conjunction with the New York State Department of Correctional Services and a Federal Youth Offender Grant, Medaille offers college courses one night per week in a 15-week semester format.

The program is divided into three course sequences - Foundation of College Study, The World in Which We Live, and The Basics of Business – which are fully-transferable to any college upon the student’s release from prison.

“A growing number of studies have shown that recidivism rates of inmates drop considerably when they are equipped with knowledge and tangible skills before their transition back into the community,” Michael Wolf, Medaille’s Site Coordinator for the Albion Program. “Our program objectives were designed to give the students competence and skills in writing, critical thinking, problem solving, math, and computer applications. If these students can develop proficiency in these areas, they’ll be better prepared for academic, personal and professional success.”

Thirty-one students took courses in an initial summer session, and the program will continue with fall, spring and summer semesters.

“Until the mid-1990s, Medaille had been active in the education of inmates in Western New York,” said Jenifer Bavifard, Executive Director of the Accelerated Learning Program. “With the recent renewed commitment by state and federal officials and agencies to reenergize such programs, it was natural for Medaille to step back in with our academic resources.”

Bavifard previously served as director of Medaille’s education program in four prison facilities from 1985-1995.

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