Providing a Second Chance Through Education
The Center works to provide educational programming to local inmate populations through the efforts of TCNJ professors and students. Research indicates that inmates who participate in educational programs behind bars are less likely to recidivate, and more likely to become productive members of society upon their release. It is the Center's goal to make this transformation a possibility. The Center is supported by the Petey Greene Prisoner Assistance Program, the Sunshine Lady Foundation, and the Second Chance Act (administered by the United States Department of Justice), as well as by the efforts of the TCNJ students, faculty, and staff, and Bonner Community Scholars and staff, who dedicate their time to carrying out the Center's mission. For a complete list of funding sources, click here.
Tutoring and Academic Enrichment
The Center works to provide academic tutoring to inmate populations, as well as the opportunity for inmates to take non-credit courses taught by professors and students from The College of New Jersey. Learn how you can become a tutor!
College in Prison
Students from The College of New Jersey have the opportunity to take credit-bearing courses alongside inmates, and the Center is actively working to allow those behind bars to earn credits towards a college degree.
Community Service
The Bonner Center for Civic Engagement at TCNJ works with inmates at two state correctional institutions on a variety of projects, including an innovative course that results in the production of a magazine, consisting of the inmates' literary works.