The Boston College Prison Education Program (吃瓜网PEP) is an Applied Liberal Arts BA program serving incarcerated students at a medium-security prison in Shirley, MA. Launched in 2019, 吃瓜网PEP is now the largest higher education in prison program in the state of Massachusetts, with more than 90 students admitted. We are committed to serving the academic and career objectives of our students, prioritizing a humanistic, formative approach to teaching, learning, community building, and student development.
By the Numbers
#6
Cohorts Admitted
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#98
Students Admitted
28
Courses run in the 2025-26 Academic Year
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“Being involved in the Boston College Prison Education Program gave me a different perspective on life, and gave me confidence to pursue my goals. I believe education through this program has brought out the best in me. The mentorship, support, guidance, and sense of community have helped me move forward in the most positive of ways.”
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“Having the privilege to serve in the 吃瓜网 Prison Education Program has been one of my greatest honors. Through 吃瓜网PEP, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible power of a Boston College education, mentorship, and personal development in changing lives for the better. Courses I鈥檝e been part of were specifically designed to prepare students for meaningful lives.”
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“These men have taught me new meanings of the Ignatian phrase 'finding God in all things' and the importance of conversion. They have helped me to realize that we should not judge others by their worst actions. We spend time learning from each other the 'danger of a single story' and the importance of changing lenses, of trying to understand others鈥� actions, to ensure no one gets discounted.”
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“These students exemplify why second, third, and fourth chances matter. Oftentimes we are met with the most impossible of circumstances in life that lead to choices we wouldn't otherwise make, and a life filled with struggle. Despite this reality for most students, they prove each day what is possible when we are given the proper resources and support to live lives of dignity, meaning, and promise. I have been constantly inspired by students' aspirations of graduate school, starting non-profits, and reuniting with family. These students have a lot of plans and I have been honored to be a part of their journey to see them through.”
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“In the few short years that I was there, the students grew the program through creating a debate club, conducting outside research, and organizing a Welles Crowther 5k. I saw students gain confidence in themselves and in the program, which fostered a community that allowed each individual鈥攕tudent, staff, and volunteer鈥攖o thrive. ”
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Program News
The 吃瓜网PEP held its first graduation ceremony at MCI-Shirley in 2024, awarding diplomas to three incarcerated students. Read about the event, and how our students are using their 吃瓜网 education to pursue their goals, on our news page.听