Impact Georgia Magazine March | Page 15

MARCH 2020 Lee Arrendale State Prison Hosts Life University Graduation 15 Offenders Receive Associate Degrees through the Chillon Project Article and photos by Lori Benoit | [email protected] On February 13, Life University at Lee Arrendale State Prison conferred degrees upon fifteen offenders who earned their Associate of Arts degree in Positive Human Development and Social Change. The degrees are offered through the Chillon Project, an initiative of Life University’s Center for Compassion, Integrity and Secular Ethics. “Collaboration with educational institutions, is one key to successful offender reentry. Our partnership with Life University, provides offenders with the knowledge, and support to transform their lives into productive returning citizens.” - Timothy C. Ward, Commissioner The Associate Degree in Positive Human Development and Social Change emphasizes the cultivation of inner skills, social skills, critical social analysis, and enables students to think critically and creatively about the problems that face today’s society. Students selected for the program receive a scholarship and tuition waiver which is funded through grants and private donations. 15