 By Jakobe Jenkins
I just want to take a moment to share what this experience—being part of P2P and B2B—has truly meant to me. First and foremost, thank you. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to be part of something that has pushed me beyond my comfort zone and into a space of purpose and progress. This isn’t just about a program—this is about life, transformation, and becoming who I was meant to be. For those who don’t know, P2P (Prison-to-Professionals) is a national mentoring and leadership program that supports currently and formerly incarcerated individuals through higher education and career pathways. B2B (Bridges to the Baccalaureate program) is an initiative that builds a research foundation while helping scholars, like me, transition from two-year to four-year degrees, creating a bridge to lasting success.
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 By Michael "Mickey" Saine II
Every September feels special, but this one carries a weight and excitement that’s hard to put into words. Over four powerful days, we’re not just gathering for events—we’re coming together to celebrate a movement of resilience, education, and hope. I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride. Every time I reflect on what’s happening in our community, I’m reminded that we are living in a moment where second chances are not just defended—they are being celebrated. For me, this isn’t abstract—it’s personal. I’ve been system-impacted for just under a decade, and being part of P2P has given me space to rebuild, contribute, and use my voice in ways I never thought possible. To now stand here, not only as someone who has benefited from these efforts but also as someone helping to share the stories and build momentum—it’s humbling beyond words.  By Lindell Brown
My name is Lindell Brown. I’m 44 years old, a proud father of three amazing kids—and I share my home with a crazy dog who’s half German Shepherd and half Pitbull. Life looks very different for me now than it once did, and I’m grateful for the direction it's heading. In May 2024, I earned my certificates in Business Technology, Business Administration, and Information Technology. And just a year later, in May 2025, I received my associate’s degree from Ivy Tech. This fall, I’ll be continuing my journey by enrolling at the University of Indianapolis to pursue my bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. But beyond the degrees and achievements, my life right now is centered around two things: my family and my sobriety. I attend church regularly—not just for Sunday service, but for the programs and the sense of community it brings. I spend time with the people I love and stay focused on living a life I can be proud of. My main priority each day is making sure I don’t let myself or my family down.  By Michael "Mickey" Saine II
We get so many messages from readers just like you. Day in and day out, we're reached out to, asking: "How can I improve my life after a conviction? Where do I even begin to build a new path?" We hear your questions, your hopes, and sometimes, your fears. And every single time, our answer is the same: You can absolutely do this!!! Think of it this way, do you know that feeling when you're watching a movie and the main character finally gets their big break, and you're just like, "YES!"? Well, consider this your personal "YES!" moment. Because let's be real, you've been through a lot. You've navigated challenges that would make most people throw in the towel and demand a nap. But here you are, reading this, ready to turn the page. And trust us, that's a huge deal. Your Comeback Story? It's Already Epic Let's face it, your life isn't some bland, straight line. It's got twists, turns, and probably a few unexpected detours. And guess what? That's what makes it so incredibly rich. We all mess up. Every single one of us. The only difference is that your "oops" moments might have come with a bit more paperwork. But here's the kicker: those experiences? They've given you a kind of grit and wisdom that can't be taught in any classroom. You've faced adversity, and you're still standing. That's not just admirable; it's practically superhero status.  By Michael "Mickey" Saine II
P2P's journey has been one of constant evolution and unwavering commitment. From its humble beginnings as a dream within prison walls to a nationwide program, we've witnessed the transformative power of education time and time again. This year, we marked a significant milestone with the graduation of our 45th cohort, a particularly special group who completed their NCHEP journey right here in the vibrant city of New Orleans. This achievement, especially within the context of the National Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (NCHEP), underscores our dedication to expanding access to quality education for justice-impacted individuals. Looking back at the path we've traveled since our 25th cohort, it's clear how much P2P has grown and adapted. Yet, the core principles that guided our founders – Stanley Andrisse, Jerry, and Rahmari – remain our bedrock: the belief in the inherent potential of every individual and the power of education to unlock that potential. Where We’ve Been: Laying the Foundation The story of P2P is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The initial vision, conceived within the challenging environment of a Missouri prison, blossomed into a national non-profit. Dr. Andrisse’s early work with the ‘Ban the Box’ movement in Maryland laid the groundwork, connecting him with community partners and future scholars.  By Janna M. Broaddus
If you had told me years ago that I’d be on the Dean’s List in college, I would have laughed—and not out of disrespect, but because I truly couldn’t have imagined that future for myself. I dropped out of school in the 7th grade and, for a long time, I didn’t think going back was even an option. But here I am today. I’m currently a Psychology major at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, and I’m on track to transfer to Purdue Global to finish my B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions. I’m proud to say I made the Dean’s List for the 2024–2025 academic year with a 3.9 GPA.  By James Walters and Ashley Woodson Walters
People coping with trauma sometimes experience difficulty trusting others enough to ask for help. This affected James’ college experiences early on and could have impacted our relationship. It took patience and honesty to pull through. Has help-seeking ever been a problem for you? James: This happened a few times before and we noticed a pattern. I would tell my wife about the challenges I faced with an assignment after the assignment was due. There were three or four things I had to log onto just for one online class, and sometimes, I would forget which account to use. Even my in-person classes was heavy on unfamiliar technology. I was learning to upload assignments, how to find something I downloaded, and how to add pictures to my icebreaker. It got overwhelming. She would ask me why I didn't ask her for help earlier or email the professor about my questions. I hated this question, mostly because I never had a good answer.  By Basia Skudrzyk, MBA
"Nothing is easy, but there is help and support out there – more opportunities than obstacles and we want to be part of the solution to drive organizational change," shared Cindy Mebruer, Director of Engagement, Education & Sustainability for CSCMP - Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.
By Jessica Snow
While I stare at my computer screen contemplating our first Unlock Higher Ed General Meeting for this year, I can’t help but sit back and smile. I smile because I look with optimism where we come from and where we are headed.  By Michael "Mickey" Saine II
Have you ever had that dream where you had to speak in front of everyone? That dream where the lights are shining and fee blinding? I found myself in one of those moments, but instead of an awful dream, I was standing before microphone in front of 30 or so people. I had suddenly found myself giving a part of a presentation for the Speaker’s bureau associated as a working group within the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics Opportunities (STEM-OPS). |
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