Pathways Through Education
Power Rooted in Community
We envision a Western Massachusetts where every person impacted by incarceration has a fair chance to learn, lead, and live with possibility.
Learn
Access to education that opens doors during incarceration and beyond.
Belong
Stronger connections between people, communities, and support systems.
Advance
Clear pathways from jail to college, work, and long-term stability.
Thrive
A future where possibility replaces barriers across Western Massachusetts.
Building a Jail-to-College Ecosystem in Western Massachusetts
With support from Ascendium Education Philanthropy, CORE is leading a regional planning effort to expand educational access for incarcerated learners. Through research, collaboration, and system coordination, we’re laying the groundwork for jail-to-college pathways across Western Massachusetts.
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News & Events
Now, a regional effort organized by Western Mass CORE, or Community, Opportunity, Resources and Education, is bringing together multiple organizations to streamline a jail-to-college system, said Nicole Hendricks,...
Western Mass Core will now be a fiscally sponsored program of Mass-Hire Holyoke after receiving a $750,000 grant, allowing them to launch an independent regional initiative, Unlocking Pathways.
The Basketball Hall of Fame hosted a job fair with 48 companies present, offering services to help seal criminal records and build the workforce in western Massachusetts.
While college-in-prison programs are growing, jails often lack similar opportunities. Educators like John Schlueter were surprised to find minimal educational offerings beyond AA and Bible study. Groups like...
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education recently awarded a Bridges to College grant to Holyoke Community College. The grant will support HCC’s Western Mass CORE program.
Holyoke Community College received an $81,605 grant to expand educational outreach for formerly incarcerated individuals. The funding supports advising, mentorship, and events like expungement clinics and family...
Two Holyoke Community College professors have started a program called Western Mass Core, which provides educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
Holyoke Community College assistant professor Naomi Lesley teaches an English 101 composition class to inmates at the Hampden County Correctional Center. The college credit course is available at the jail through the...
For 31-year-old Bramin, a highlight of the “Epidemics in History” course was engaging with classmates’ diverse perspectives. Their discussions encouraged him to consider both thoughts and emotions in...