CUMU Conference 2019

The beneficial effect of higher education on rates of recidivism has been well documented. To that end, formerly incarcerated students enroll in college hoping to make a new start in life; yet they are faced with unique challenges ranging from using technology to managing social stigma. What can universities do to help ease the reentry process and promote student success? Cal State LA’s Project Rebound is currently balancing the reentry needs of 16 formerly incarcerated short-term offenders and 4 students pipelined from our Prison BA program after serving sentences ranging from 10 to 20 plus years. In the past year, it has become clear that our Project Rebound program is serving two distinct FIP populations with very different needs. Honest and candid dialogue will be facilitated by Cal State LA’s Project Rebound and feature two formerly incarcerated students who will share their first hand experiences, reflections, and suggestions for how any university can assist with the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated persons.