JIE SCHOLARS PROGRAM.

Increasing educational opportunities

The JIE Scholars program helps highly motivated returning citizens take credit-bearing courses at Columbia University.

The JIE Scholars Program covers tuition and fees, local travel to class, books, and other costs associated with the JIE Scholars’ ability to complete the gateway courses. Scholars who successfully complete both JIE gateway courses work with the Justice-in-Education adviser to develop their future education plans.

How the JIE Scholars Program works

Upon successfully completing the admissions process, Justice-in-Education (JIE) Scholars are enrolled as special students in the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University. They are required to complete a gateway course: currently, the skills-intensive credit-bearing course University Writing (required of all Columbia undergraduates).

Those earning a grade of B+ or above in University Writing are eligible to continue to take Columbia courses free of charge. Credits earned at Columbia may be transferred to other colleges and universities, should JIE Scholars wish to pursue completion of their college degrees at other institutions.

JIE Scholars receive advising and tutoring, as well as re-entry support, especially with regard to housing, health, parole, and other issues that might affect a scholar’s ability to complete their courses successfully.

The JIE Scholars Program collaborates with the Initiative for a Just Society to provide legal consultations when necessary.

 

How the JIE Scholars Program works

Upon successfully completing the admissions process, Justice-in-Education (JIE) Scholars are enrolled as special students in the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University. They are required to complete two gateway courses: the skills-intensive credit-bearing course Genres of Academic Writing (open to all Columbia undergraduates) and the non-credit-bearing modules in Transitioning to the College Classroom – Learning Strategies for Academic Success, designed as an introduction to the specific educational environment of Columbia.

Those earning a grade of B+ or above in Genres of Academic are eligible to continue to take Columbia courses free of charge. Credits earned at Columbia may be transferred to other colleges and universities, should JIE Scholars wish to pursue completion of their college degrees at other institutions.

JIE Scholars receive advising and tutoring support, as well as the opportunity to interact with peer mentors and be mentored by Columbia Emeriti faculty. We provide re-entry support and advising, especially with regard to housing, health, parole, and other issues that might affect a scholar’s ability to complete their courses successfully.

The JIE Scholars Program collaborates with the Initiative for a Just Society to provide legal consultations when necessary. The team comprises Bernard Harcourt, Fonda Shen, and William Oh.

How do I become a JIE Scholar?

Video overview of JIE Program