Graduates celebrated the milestone surrounded by proud family and friends who shared in the joy of their achievement.
Des Plaines, Ill. (Sept. 16, 2026) — Thirteen new Oakton graduates are one step closer to earning bachelor’s degrees through Northwestern University’s Prison Education Program (NPEP).
The students received Associate in General Studies degrees during a Sept. 11 graduation ceremony at Sheridan Correctional Center. They are the third NPEP cohort to earn associate degrees from Oakton through the College’s partnership with Northwestern University and the Illinois Department of Corrections. The partnership expands access to higher education for incarcerated students, with an Oakton degree serving as a key step on their path toward bachelor’s degrees from Northwestern.
“Earning a college degree requires dedication and hard work,” said Oakton College President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D. “We are incredibly proud to welcome these graduates as Oakton alumni, and I hope they continue to build on this achievement, pursue their goals and use what they have learned to create new opportunities for themselves.”
The program was established in September 2019. Students are selected through a rigorous application process and complete college-level coursework that meets the same academic standards as courses offered on Oakton's campuses.
For one graduate, earning his degree carries significance beyond his own academic achievement.
“This was not easy, but I stayed persistent in the belief that I was greater than my circumstances,” said one graduate, who is the first in his family to earn a college degree. “I am doing this not only for me, but for the generations behind me. I want to show my nephews and nieces that earning a degree is important.”
During his time in the program, the graduate discovered a passion for writing, sharpening his skills through short stories and journalism. He has contributed to the “Northwestern Insider,” an NPEP publication. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Journalism at Northwestern.
“My story is just beginning,” he said.
Participants attended weekly three-hour classes taught by Oakton faculty, who adapted their teaching strategies to the correctional setting. Before entering the program, faculty completed cultural competency training to help foster classrooms grounded in respect, inclusion and meaningful dialogue.
Although students did not have access to many of the technologies commonly used in higher education, the classroom experience remained rigorous, collaborative and deeply engaging.
“These students demonstrate extraordinary perseverance, resilience and commitment,” said Michelle James, Oakton’s retired distinguished professor of Psychology and Oakton’s coordinator for NPEP. “They embrace education as an opportunity to transform their lives, and that determination is evident every time they step into the classroom. They arrive prepared, engage thoughtfully, draw from rich life experiences and challenge one another to think more deeply. Teaching students who value every moment of learning is a privilege.”
For graduates, the impact of their education extends beyond the classroom. One member of this year’s graduating class has already been released but came back for the graduation ceremony. He said the skills he developed through the program are helping him navigate everyday life, including understanding contracts like an apartment lease.
Now employed, he is focused on working hard and saving money. His long-term goal is to start a business that creates employment opportunities for others returning to their communities after incarceration.
Since its launch, 47 NPEP students have earned Oakton’s Associate in General Studies. Many have continued their education by pursuing bachelor’s degrees through Northwestern University, demonstrating the lasting impact of expanding access to higher education.
