BSCTC Honors First Graduate of Prison Education Program

Published on Jan 6, 2026

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) celebrated the first graduate of its Prison Education Program (PEP) at Southeast State Correctional Complex (SSCC) in Wheelwright.

The student graduated Thursday, Dec. 11, with an Associate of Arts degree through BSCTC while enrolled in the PEP. He joined the program in the fall semester and completed the remaining 15 credit hours to earn his degree.

“I’m really grateful for the program,” said the student. “It has helped me develop goals and a routine I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

The student expressed excitement about his future and the possibility of furthering his education after his release.

He is one of 36 students currently enrolled in the program. The PEP began in spring 2025 with two cohorts of 18 students each and is set to expand in the upcoming spring semester with an additional 25 students.

“Today’s ceremony reflects a profound belief that guides our college’s mission: Higher education must meet people where they are. Learning cannot be limited by geography, circumstance or past decisions,” said Dr. Todd Brand, president of BSCTC, during commencement. “The purpose of the program is to reduce recidivism by providing students with opportunities they may not have otherwise had.”

In September 2024, changes to the FAFSA Simplification Act restored Pell Grant eligibility for confined or incarcerated individuals enrolled in an eligible prison education program.

“Access to education should never depend on circumstances,” said Stephanie VanHoose, Prison Education Program coordinator. “Programs like PEP ensure that every learner, no matter where they are, has the opportunity to build a future filled with possibility and purpose.”

The student spoke during the ceremony and encouraged his peers in PEP to continue their education and not give up. He said his biggest accomplishment was hearing his parents say they were proud of him for continuing his education.

“I’ve not done the best things but hearing my parents say they are proud — those two words meant the world to me,” he said.

The PEP is an example of BSCTC’s unwavering commitment to providing access to all students in eastern Kentucky.

“Across the commonwealth, we are working to build pathways that allow justice-system-involved students to earn skills, credentials and eventually careers that will support their families and help rebuild their communities. It is about giving every person a chance to step into a future defined not by their past, but by their promise,” Brand said.