Massachusetts Department of Correction and Boston College Announce Expansion of Undergraduate Program to MCI-Framingham

• Massachusetts Department of Correction
• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

FRAMINGHAM- The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) and Boston College are proud to announce that the nationally renowned Boston College Prison Education Program is expanding to serve individuals housed at the MCI-Framingham facility.

Currently, the BCPEP program serves individuals housed at the MCI-Shirley facility, where it launched in 2019. Since then, more than 100 housed individuals have enrolled in the program with eight receiving degrees. The program celebrated its first graduating cohort in 2024, and most recently, on September 18 honored the latest group of degree recipients. The success of MCI-Shirley's program was the catalyst for bringing this program to the women's facility in Framingham.

"By expanding our partnerships and educational opportunities, we increase the success of individuals as they reenter communities," said Governor Maura Healey. "We applaud Boston College for expanding their program to MCI-Framingham and for their continued commitment to supporting successful reentry."

"The investments made by our higher education partners are part of our shared commitment to reduce recidivism rates and strengthen communities," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Education opens so many pathways to success."

"The successful reduction of recidivism in Massachusetts is a direct result of all of the partnerships forged through a shared commitment to transform lives," said Interim Public Safety and Security Secretary Susan W. Terrey. "All of our educational partners and our dedicated DOC teachers and staff work collaboratively toward the goal of changing lives and increasing opportunities for success."

The expansion of BCPEP into MCI-Framingham will be launched as a one-year pilot program in January 2026, enrolling 10 to 12 students while evaluating the academic, logistical, and infrastructure needs for long-term sustainability. Funded by a $100,000 grant from the New England Prison Education Collaborative, the program is offered at no cost to incarcerated individuals. Participants will gain college-level skills and earn credits applicable toward a degree, while also developing strong abilities in academic writing, teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and time management. Students who are released are encouraged to continue their education at Boston College's Woods College of Advancing Studies.

"Education is one of the many foundations that successful reentry is built upon. All of our education partners collaborate with the DOC to build up this foundation," said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. "Massachusetts is a national leader in recidivism reduction and to continue this success, we must adapt and grow. We are truly grateful to Boston College for helping the DOC and the individuals in our care do the same."

"Boston College is honored to expand our prison education program to include the women at MCI-Framingham. We have seen firsthand how access to rigorous, supportive college learning can be transformative for individuals and for communities," said BCPEP Ignacio Chair & Program Director Patrick Conway. "This new partnership reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that the liberating power of the liberal arts is not limited by prison walls. It also marks an important step forward for educational access across the Commonwealth, and we are eager to welcome students at MCI-Framingham into our community - not only on-site at the prison, but also upon release, as they continue their education on our campus in Chestnut Hill."

The DOC recently announced the educational successes of many of the incarcerated individuals within the various facilities. More than 1,350 individuals completed educational programs during the 2024-2025 academic year which included college courses, HiSET diplomas, vocational training and technology-focused courses.

The DOC's academic programming is strengthened by partnerships with higher education institutions committed to second-chance education. These include Babson College, Boston College, Boston University, Bunker Hill Community College, Emerson College, Franklin Cummings Institute who collaborates with The Educational Justice Institute based in the Office of the Vice Chancellor at MIT, Massasoit Community College, Mount Wachusett Community College and Tufts University. Their faculty and programs bring accredited college courses, credentials, and transformative learning experiences within DOC facilities.

At MCI-Framingham, Boston University offers an eight course Interdisciplinary Certificate, Babson College offers a four course Entrepreneurial and Humanities Certificate, MIT in conjunction with Franklin Cummings Institute offers three coding courses and Framingham State University frequently offers an Inside/Out class. In addition, housed individuals at MCI-Framingham have access to a wide range of programming including critical thinking, reentry readiness workshops, family preservation, parenting support groups and job training.

Most recently, the DOC launched a partnership with Canine Companions that brings service dogs in training to the facility, expanding a two-decade commitment to dog training programs that strengthen rehabilitation, build practical skills for reentry and provide critical services to people with disabilities.

About the Massachusetts Department of Correction
The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) manages the custody, care, and rehabilitation of approximately 6,000 individuals across 13 state facilities. The DOC emphasizes evidence-based programming, trauma-informed care and educational and vocational training to reduce recidivism and is committed to fostering accountability, personal growth and successful reentry. Through partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders, the DOC delivers innovative services tailored to the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals while advancing equity, inclusion and long-term public safety.

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• Massachusetts Department of Correction

  The Department of Correction oversees the state prison system, managing 13 institutions across the state. We provide custody, care, and programming for those under our supervision to prepare them for safe and successful reentry into the community.

• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

  EOPSS is responsible for the policy development and budgetary oversight of its secretariat agencies, independent programs, and several boards which aid in crime prevention, homeland security preparedness, and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the Commonwealth.