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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
Historic Graduation for Incarcerated Women
Eighteen women at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center have become the first incarcerated women in the United States to graduate with bachelor’s degrees from a Top 10 institution, Northwestern University. The milestone graduation, conducted inside a tent set up in a prison courtyard in Lincoln, Illinois, took place 180 miles from Northwestern’s Evanston campus. Leaders, loved ones, and educators gathered to honor the achievements of this pioneering Class of 2026 from the Northwestern Prison Education Program.
A Unique Path to Earning Degrees
Each of the 18 graduates overcame significant barriers to education. Shurese Bailey, one of the graduates, expressed gratitude for what she called a chance to rehabilitate herself through the prison education program. These women become the first in the nation to achieve bachelor’s degrees from a university of Northwestern’s caliber while incarcerated, marking a significant step for women education in U.S. prisons. The program required students to complete coursework over four to five years, with professors making six-hour roundtrips to deliver classes in person.
Commencement Address from Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who delivered the commencement address, has a legacy of supporting recidivism reduction and prisoner reentry legislation. Pelosi acknowledged the resilience and determination of the graduates, stating, "They told me I was supposed to convey some wisdom; I think I could learn some wisdom from all of you."
Personal Stories of Resilience
Behind each diploma is a complex story. Erika Ray, separated from her family for 20 years during her incarceration, shared her journey of pursuing a second chance through education. Convicted under the theory of accountability after being present during a crime, Ray completed a full course load every quarter, even throughout the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Making history is not easy," she reflected. "A second chance would be great, if you’re doing the work."
Another graduate, Patricia Ouska, sentenced to life without parole, recognized Northwestern’s program as her lifeline. "Had Northwestern not came along, I don’t even know if I’d be standing here with you today," she shared. Similarly, Cindy Shepheard, who has served 20 years of a 33-year sentence for first-degree murder, was reunited with her mother at the ceremony. Her mother, Vicki Fortner, expressed hope that their historic achievement would pave the way for future graduates: "They made history today on being the very first. And I really hope that they’re not the last."
Addressing Barriers for Incarcerated Women
Women make up only 15% of incarcerated college students due to limited access and institutional barriers. Professor Jennifer Lackey, director of the Northwestern Prison Education Program and a proponent of criminal justice reform, emphasized the unique significance of this all-women graduation. She noted that most research on prison education focuses on men and underscored the program’s goal of meaningful personal development for all students, regardless of their sentences.
The Ongoing Impact of Prison Education
Graduates and faculty alike hope the impact of this program extends well beyond this single ceremony. Graduate Shawnette Green reflected, "That it is while I was physically confined, that I became free enough to emerge." Margaret DeFrancisco added, "There are no gatekeepers here, instead we hold the gate wide open for others to follow." Completing their bachelor degrees through adversity, Stephanie Bonds summed up: "Circumstances may shape parts of our story, but they do not write our ending."
Looking Ahead
Through the efforts of the Northwestern University Prison Education Program and the determination of these 18 women, new possibilities for education and rehabilitation are being demonstrated in the correctional system. Their achievements stand as a testament to the power of education and resilience, offering hope for future students both inside and outside prison walls.
Source: wgntv.com.
