SPOTLIGHT
The Road to an Education
While some people choose to seek employment after arrests, charges or time in prison, others may try to gain an education like any other prospective student. Every school has different policies for disclosing prior records on applications. JoAnn Page, Assistant Director of Operations in the Office of Admissions, explains that “we don’t ask that question on our application and if they’re currently in prison, [and] have access to a computer, they can apply.” For the people who are no longer in prison but have prior charges, they “would just apply normally,” adds Page. However, some people indicate that there is still a lack of knowledge surrounding application processes and if colleges are willing to accept these diversified applicants. Senior Lecturer in Information Technology and Administrative Management, David Douglas, is familiar with questioning education’s role in his life because of his time served for felonies over 20 years ago. “I had no plans. I was actually a chemical dependency professional working here in the community and I came back to school to start what
28
FALL 2019 | ISSUE TWO
I had finished years before. I came back to get a bachelor’s degree.” Because of strong role models in his life at the time, he “was encouraged to try a master’s program [and] for a kid from the streets of Tacoma with a GED,” this forced him to overcome many self-doubts surrounding his place in education.
New Job Opportunities
Douglas’ experience with applying to college may not be that different from those who do choose the route of employment post-incarceration. WorkSource Lead for People for People Laura Villegas-Chouinard explains, “Self-employment [or] construction are probably places where justice-involved [people] could definitely seek some type of opportunities.” There are many careers, especially within the areas of construction and trade skills that may be suitable for those with felonies. According to College Consensus, an education and employment rankng company, electricians and carpenters are some of the highest paid positions within the construction field for these individuals. However, for some, physical labor may not be the most appealing working environment.