Post by Sherika Steward, Division Manager for New York, Petey Greene Program

The Petey Greene Program for tutoring supports the academic and career goals of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people through high-quality volunteer tutoring programs, while educating volunteers on the injustices of the carceral system. In New York, PGP has been active since Fall 2014, recruiting and training volunteers from institutions such as Columbia University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and New York University. 

This spring semester has been a period of profound reflection and adaptation. Amidst shifts in federal funding and institutional restructuring, the Petey Greene Program (PGP) has remained steadfast in its commitment to educational equity and justice. In the face of these challenges, our collaboration with Columbia University’s Justice-in-Education Initiative (JIE) has not only endured but evolved, highlighting the resilience and depth of our shared mission.

Since our partnership’s inception in 2020, PGP and JIE have cultivated a symbiotic relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for transformative education. Our collaboration has bridged academic institutions and correctional facilities, creating pathways for incarcerated individuals to access quality education and for volunteers to engage in meaningful service.

The importance of this partnership cannot be overstated. In a time when educational programs within correctional facilities face increasing uncertainty, our joint efforts underscore the power of collaboration in driving systemic change. Together, we continue to challenge the status quo, advocate for policy reform, and, most importantly, uplift the voices and potential of those often marginalized by society. 

A significant development this semester was PGP’s support of JIE’s Justice Forum series. These forums have served as vital spaces for critical discourse on topics intersecting education, incarceration, and systemic injustice. Notably, events such as “Incarceration and Religion: An Event on the Bicentenary of Sing Sing Prison” and “Incorrigibles: The New York House of Refuge and New York State Training School for Girls” provided historical context and contemporary analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities within the carceral system. We held tutoring sessions where our volunteer tutors worked with current and incoming JIE Scholars on gaining deeper comprehension of the content. Anchoring our sessions on the events we worked with the Scholars to produce essays that elaborated on the topics discussed. 

As we look ahead, PGP remains committed to supporting JIE’s initiatives and expanding our collective impact. Through continued dialogue, shared resources, and unwavering dedication, we aim to foster a more just and equitable educational landscape for all.