Being involved in the Boston College Prison Education Program gave me a different perspective on life, and gave me confidence to pursue my goals. I believe education through this program has brought out the best in me. The mentorship, support, guidance, and sense of community have helped me move forward in the most positive of ways.

Nurudeen Alabi, ‘25

Having the privilege to serve in the BC Prison Education Program (PEP) has been one of my greatest honors. Through PEP, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible power of a Boston College education, mentorship, and personal development in changing lives for the better. Courses I’ve been part of for PEP were specifically designed to prepare students for meaningful lives with a unique blend of liberal arts and professional subject area content skills to equip PEP students to excel in a modern work environment with tools and an innovative mindset to ‘do the next right thing’ for both work and life. Serving in PEP is an opportunity to be a part of a journey of restorative justice, transformation, hope, and healing where lives are rebuilt, and futures are reimagined.

Dr. Julia Devoy

As a professor and religious sister, I have grown so much personally in my understanding of what a Jesuit Catholic education encompasses from my teaching students at MCI-Shirley who are participants in Boston College’s Prison Education Program. These men have taught me new meanings of the Ignatian phrase "finding God in all things" and the importance of conversion. They have helped me to realize that we should not judge others by their worst actions. We spend time learning from each other the “danger of a single story” and the importance of changing lenses, of trying to understand others’ actions to ensure no one gets discounted. In our coursework, we discuss how Ignatius found God when he was recuperating after being hit by a cannonball, and we discover how reflecting on our own “cannonball moments” and redemption can help us find a path forward. 

Sr. Jeanmarie Gribaudo

Coming into the BCPEP for the first time, I was immediately met with the most welcoming, insightful, visionary and determined students I had ever met. Each student I met was a reminder of how brilliantly multifaceted we all are. These students exemplify why second, third and fourth chances matter. Oftentimes we are met with the most impossible of circumstances in life that lead to choices we wouldn't otherwise make, and a life filled with struggle. Despite this reality for most students, they prove each day what is possible when we are given the proper resources and support to live lives of dignity, meaning and promise. I have been constantly inspired by students' aspirations of graduate school, starting non-profits, and reuniting with family. These students have a lot of plans and I have been honored to be a part of their journey to see them through.

Babatunde Alford, PhD ‘26

Working with the BC Prison Education Program was the best experience that I had while attending Boston College. My time tutoring allowed me to connect with an amazing group of students and staff united by the common goals of growth and learning. The conversations that I had with the students taught me about true dedication to improving oneself and the community formed around that passion was unlike any prior experience I had in the classroom. The students and staff that I had the chance to work with during my time with the BC Prison Education program truly exemplified the Jesuit value of being men and women for others. I tutored with the program for two years and formed lifelong connections centered around mutual respect and a desire to grow and learn from those around you. In the few short years that I was there, the students grew the program through creating a debate club, conducting outside research, and organizing a Welles Crowther 5k. I saw students gain confidence in themselves and in the program, which fostered a community that allowed each individual- student, staff, and volunteer- to thrive. 

Eileen Flynn, BA ‘23