Dearborn, MI – The American Association of University Women’s Legal Advocacy Fund granted the University of Michigan, Dearborn the 2006 Progress in Equity Award for its efforts to educate women in a local prison.
The university’s College Level Courses at the Scott Correctional Facility for Women offers university-certified courses in women’s studies, composition, sociology, African American studies, and other subjects to women at the prison. Courses are taught by university professors on a volunteer basis.
“We are honored to recognize this innovative program,” said AAUW Educational Foundation President Barbara O’Connor. “We continue to be impressed by the important work it does to advance women’s educational opportunities in a critically underserved population.”
The program’s effects are two-fold – giving female prisoners hope to overcome life’s obstacles, and compelling the community to challenge conventional stereotypes about women in prison. The program will receive $5,000 from AAUW.
“Women who receive a college education or begin the degree process while in prison fare better when they rejoin society than those who do not,” said Program Director and University of Michigan at Dearborn Professor Lisa Lempert. “College builds a context for transformation and responsibility that the women take with them as they leave the facility.”
The Progress in Equity Award recognizes a college or university program that promotes equity for women with a cash reward. Since 1987, the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund has recognized more than 38 programs throughout the country for progressive and innovative advancements on behalf of women.
“When the Michigan legislature made it illegal to use tax dollars for inmate college tuition, this enterprising group of volunteers stepped in to fill a critical need and give a second chance to women in prison,” said Lisa Maatz, interim director of the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund.
The University of Hawaii, Honolulu received an honorable mention for its Bridge of Hope program, which provides on-campus student employment and support programs for welfare recipients.
An awards presentation will be held Nov. 16 at the University of Michigan, Dearborn campus to honor the Scott Prison project. Eleanor Siewert, member of the AAUW national board of directors and AAUW of Birmingham (MI) Branch will present the award. Members of the press and public are invited to attend.
For more information about the award ceremony, contact Joan Jupiter of AAUW at 202/785-7728 or jupiterj@aauw.org.
For more information about the Progress in Equity Award or to schedule an interview with AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund Interim Director Lisa Maatz, please contact Rebecca Leaf at 202/785-7738, leafr@aauw.org or Ashley Carr at 202/785-7745, carra@aauw.org. Photos are available upon request.
