Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Administrative and Instructional Leadership

First Advisor

Katherine Aquino

Second Advisor

Stephen Kotok

Third Advisor

Catherine DiMartino

Abstract

This qualitative narrative study shares the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated women, their reintegration into the community, and their journey to and through college. The eight participants span between 25 and 64 years of age, have spent varying lengths of time incarcerated, and are now either in college or recent graduates of both public and private universities. Research indicates that a large majority of incarcerated women come from economically disadvantaged communities, are vocationally unskilled, and have limited access to in-prison postsecondary programs (Mallory, 2011; Western et al., 2015). However, by earning a college credential, women rebuild their sense of self, are better prepared to seek and keep employment, support their families, and become productive members of their communities.

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