News Summary
San Diego State University celebrates its first graduation ceremony for the Valuing Incarcerated Scholars through Academia (VISTA) program, designed to assist inmates in earning degrees. On May 15, 27 inmates graduated, showcasing the program’s potential to reduce recidivism through education. SDSU plans to expand VISTA with additional cohorts and courses, supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to providing educational opportunities in correctional facilities.
San Diego, CA – San Diego State University (SDSU) celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony for the Valuing Incarcerated Scholars through Academia program (VISTA) on May 15, 2025. This innovative program is designed to assist incarcerated individuals in earning a bachelor’s degree while serving their sentences.
The VISTA program is particularly aimed at those inmates who have successfully completed a transferrable associate’s degree, allowing them to enroll in courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts in communications, journalism, or art and design. This initiative was founded by Professor Annie Buckley, with the goal of reducing recidivism rates by equipping inmates with an education that can act as a foundation for improved life prospects post-release.
On the day of the ceremony, 27 inmates from Centinela State Prison in Imperial County donned traditional caps and gowns. This group began their educational journey in August 2023, marking a significant milestone in both their lives and the mission of the VISTA program.
During the event, SDSU President Adela de la Torre acknowledged the determination and hard work of the graduates. As they celebrated their academic achievements, one participant, Ruben Vargas, expressed that completing his degree represented a “new opportunity in life” and helped restore his confidence.
SDSU plans to expand the VISTA program, with more classes scheduled for incarcerated men at Centinela State Prison. The next cohort is set to commence in fall 2025, providing additional educational opportunities for inmates seeking to further their studies while incarcerated.
In addition to the current offerings, SDSU is actively working on developing new tools for student learning and planning to introduce a humanities degree in the near future. This expansion is facilitated by a $1 million grant awarded by the Mellon Foundation in 2024, aimed at supporting the educational advancement of incarcerated individuals.
Efforts to replicate this successful model are also underway, as SDSU aims to create a toolkit that other institutions can utilize to implement similar educational programs within prison systems. The overarching objective is to increase access to education for incarcerated individuals, ultimately fostering their reintegration into society and contributing to community well-being.
The VISTA program is part of a broader initiative by educational institutions to enhance the lives of incarcerated individuals through higher education. A similar program has already been established by the University of California, in collaboration with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, demonstrating the growing recognition of the need for educational solutions in correctional facilities.
Professor Annie Buckley stressed the importance of providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals, emphasizing the profound and positive impact such programs can have on their lives and the communities they will rejoin. The success of the inaugural graduation ceremony illustrates the potential benefits of educational programs in correctional settings and sets the stage for future expansions that could affect more lives in the years to come.
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