RWU Extension School Dean Receives Award for Work with Justice-Impacted Community

January 17, 2025By Jill Pais '05

Dean Gena Bianco of RWU Extension School speaks at the Providence campus after receiving the Education for Freedom Award from the Reentry Campus Program for her commitment to providing transformative education opportunities to Rhode Island's justice-impacted community. Image Credit: Wayne McKinney; courtesy of Reentry Campus Program

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -Gena Bianco, Dean of the Extension School (RWU EXT)at Roger Williams University, was presented with the Education for Freedom Award on Jan. 13 for the university's long-standing commitment to providing education to the justice-impacted community of Rhode Island.

Bianco received the award from the Reentry Campus Program, an organization that provides education programs for Rhode Islanders in correctional institutions. The award recognized Bianco's dedication to providing transformative education opportunities for individuals during and following incarceration.

"I am honored to receive this award recognizing the Roger Williams University Extension School's dedication to providing access to higher education, professional credentials, and trades certifications to the justice-impacted community in Rhode Island," said Bianco. "Research has demonstrated that gaining a higher education or professional certification improves the lives of returning citizens and contributes to a positive impact in their communities. RWU EXT is deeply committed to meeting every student where they are and to closing the gap in access to education for all Rhode Islanders."

"Through Gena Bianco's leadership, Roger Williams University has played a vital role in creating opportunities for the justice-impacted community to rebuild their lives through education. Their innovative and inclusive approach has transformed how education is delivered to individuals during and after incarceration," said James Monteiro, Executive Director of Reentry Campus Program. "This partnership continues to inspire hope and open doors for those striving for a second chance."

Dean Gena Bianco and Chief of Staff Brian Williams celebrate her recognition with the Education for Freedom Award.

RWU EXT has partnered with the Reentry Campus Program since 2013, providing professional certifications and degrees to 117 justice-involved individuals in the Ocean State. It was the first partnership and the longest-running prison education program to be offered through RWU EXT, which now has become the leader in higher education, professional education, and reentry programs for the justice-impacted community in Rhode Island.

In 2020, RWU EXT established a Prison Education Program through a $5 million, 3-year contract with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) that brings RWU faculty members behind the walls to teach a wide range of degree programs and trades programs to incarcerated individuals in all RIDOC facilities. RWU EXT also has offered a Prison Correspondence Program since 2019 that teaches two certificate programs in RIDOC facilities and the Pivot the Hustle program, which prepares incarcerated individuals for life beyond the walls and has graduated 142 students since its launch in 2015.