Western Nevada College (WNC) has been granted authorization by the U.S. Department of Education to provide Pell Grants to incarcerated students. This makes WNC the pioneer institution in Nevada to secure such approval under the new federal regulations adopted in July 2023.
"WNC’s prison education program has been very active over the past decade reaching incarcerated students to reduce recidivism and their ability to find meaningful employment after release," stated WNC President, Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.
James Dzurenda, Director of the Nevada Department of Corrections, commented on the significance of this development: "This is a big deal. Studies show that the top indicator of reduced recidivism is an education. Education provides individuals with the skills and knowledge for meaningful employment upon release, which helps to break cycles of poverty and incarceration. Investing in education for incarcerated individuals is a proven strategy for building safer, more stable, and more equitable communities."
This approval further cements WNC's leading role in providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals in Nevada. WNC plans to collaborate with correctional facilities, community organizations, and stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for its students.
WNC has been offering higher education choices for nearly ten years to incarcerated individuals. The new Pell Grant eligibility will allow the college to extend funding to eligible students at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, continuing its commitment to education as a pathway to reintegration, regardless of sentence length, conviction, or age.
"Our students are excited for this opportunity," expressed Deb Conrad, the program director for WNC’s Higher Education in Prison Program. "They have hopes and dreams for the future and a college education can help get them there. Our hope is that Pell will make this more possible for more students."
Great Basin College had previously been approved as a Second Chance Pell Experimental site, setting the stage for the revival of Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students.
For further details on Western Nevada College’s educational offerings for incarcerated students, visit wnc.edu/prison-education or contact Deb Conrad at 775-445-3302 or deb.conrad@wnc.edu.