Bard College - Taconic Correctional Facility is a unique educational institution located in Bedford Hills, New York. The facility is a special school that provides educational opportunities to incarcerated women who are in the custody of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Established in 2002 by Bard College, the college provides a two-year Associate of Arts degree to inmates who would otherwise not have access to higher education.
At Bard College - Taconic Correctional Facility, inmates have the opportunity to receive an associate’s degree in liberal arts and humanities, with courses covering topics such as literature, philosophy, ethics, and history. Courses are taught by professors from Bard College and other nearby universities. The college also offers a variety of vocational courses such as web design, coding, digital media production, and business administration.
The college has a unique approach to teaching. In addition to their traditional classes, students have the opportunity to work with local businesses and organizations through internships, apprenticeships, and job placements. These experiences give students the chance to explore career options and gain valuable work experience while still in prison.
The college also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities such as art classes, yoga classes, sports teams, and even a student newspaper. These activities provide inmates with an outlet for expression while serving their sentence.
Bard College - Taconic Correctional Facility is dedicated to providing inmates with the tools they need to successfully re-enter society upon their release. The college works closely with employers to help graduates find jobs upon their release. They also partner with community organizations to provide resources such as housing assistance and job training programs.
In addition to its educational program, Bard College - Taconic Correctional Facility has developed a unique approach to prison reform by creating an advisory board made up of inmates who provide feedback and advice on policy decisions. This board has been instrumental in advocating for humane treatment of inmates, improved access to healthcare services, and improved access to education for incarcerated individuals.
Bard College - Taconic Correctional Facility provides incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to pursue higher education and gain valuable job skills that will help them succeed once they re-enter society. By offering these opportunities, the college is helping inmates create better futures for themselves while also contributing to prison reform initiatives that are helping create safer communities. Take action now by supporting this innovative school and its mission to provide inmates with educational opportunities that will help them lead successful lives after incarceration.