Second Chance Pell Grant Program offers chance to thrive after incarceration
Lamar State College Port Arthur was selected as one of 68 institutions of higher education from across the U . S . to take part in the Second Chance Pell Grant program .
The Second Chance Pell Grant program allows incarcerated individuals to apply for federal aid to help complete college and university certificates and degrees . LSCPA works with students housed in the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont and the Stiles Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice . The college serves about 1,400 students at those facilities and is now one of just 6 two-year schools participating in the Second Chance Pell Grant program .
“ The evidence is clear . Promoting the education and job training for incarcerated individuals makes communities safer by reducing recidivism and saves taxpayer dollars by lowering the direct and collateral costs of incarceration ,” said U . S . Secretary of Education John B . King Jr .
Seahawks featured in national magazine
Chase Rutledge , a member of the Seahawks basketball team , lifted a young boy so he could reach the rim and “ slam dunk ” a ball during the team ’ s YMCA Basketball Camp in Port Arthur this past season .
The chance encounter was captured in a photograph which was published on the cover of the nationally-published NJCAA Review . The Review is a monthly publication of the National Junior College Athletics Association which features “ Champions for the Community ” each year where editors spotlight community service by junior college athletes across the country .
College records 94 percent placement rate
Graduates of Lamar State College Port Arthur are a direct reflection of the superior level of education that students receive and the school ’ s reputation opens the door to both higher education and employment opportunities .
The most recent statistics show a 94 percent placement rate among graduates . With a degree or certificate from Lamar State College Port Arthur , 9 out of 10 graduates either continue their education at a fouryear university or follow a path to career fulfillment .
“ As a two-year institution , our focus is to provide students the opportunity to pursue a career or to complete a four-year degree after graduation from LSCPA ,” said Dr . Gary Stretcher , Vice President for Academic Affairs . “ We are proud to provide our area industries , and beyond , this caliber of talent and expertise .”
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2015-2016 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY | PAGE 17