In a significant milestone for incarcerated individuals in the United States, eighteen women within the Illinois Department of Corrections were awarded bachelor’s degrees from Northwestern University. This landmark event took place on October 16, 2026, at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, situated approximately 130 miles from Northwestern’s Evanston campus.
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The commencement ceremony featured a keynote address from Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Addressing the graduates, Pelosi emphasised the uniqueness of each individual, stating, “Be confident, be yourself, that’s the most valuable thing I can say to you — there’s nobody like you.” Her words were met with enthusiasm as the graduates donned purple caps and gowns in celebration of their achievements.
These women represent the inaugural group of incarcerated individuals to attain bachelor’s degrees from a top-ten university in the United States, marking a pivotal moment in education reform for those behind bars. The graduates were part of Northwestern’s Prison Education Program (NPEP), which is distinguished for being the only degree-granting initiative of its kind offered by a leading university.
Maria Garza, one of the graduates who had been released from prison in 2021, expressed her gratitude and pride, stating, “Today we celebrate our historic first: We are Northwestern University’s first women’s prison education cohort to graduate with bachelor’s degrees.” Garza’s return to the facility was symbolic, as she explained, “I stand here, back inside (this) facility, not as an incarcerated woman, but as a Northwestern graduate, as an executive director, and as an advocate for criminal justice reform.”
The other graduates included Shurese Bailey, Stephanie Bonds, Elbonie Burnside, and many others who stood alongside Garza to recognise this momentous occasion. Each graduate brought their unique story and aspirations to the ceremony, enhancing the significance of their collective accomplishment.
Chelsea “Irie” Raker, who experienced a heartfelt reunion with her 12-year-old son during the ceremony, shared a poignant reflection on the importance of positive community environments. She urged audience members to envision communities that support and nurture children in ways that would prevent them from facing similar challenges in life. “I implore us all to imagine the potential of communities that protect and provide for their children so that young people have access to a degree like mine,” Raker stated.
During her speech, Elbonie Burnside expressed special thanks to Professor Jennifer Lackey, the Director of the NPEP, for her dedication. “I am most grateful to Professor Lackey, who came to the mud and planted seeds through the NPEP program, which have bloomed into beautiful lotuses,” Burnside remarked.
Lackey, visibly moved by the graduates’ success, encouraged the women to continue their commitment to growth and advocacy for future generations. “Keep planting for the future you may never see, keep planting for the people you may never meet, keep planting because of what becomes possible when we grow together,” she advised.
This ceremony not only represents a personal triumph for the graduates but also highlights the potential for educational programmes to transform lives within the criminal justice system. The NPEP aims to provide inmates with critical skills and qualifications that can facilitate successful reintegration into society.
As the graduates basked in the success of their academic achievements, they also laid a foundation for ongoing conversations about the importance of access to education for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Their accomplishments serve as a reminder of the resilience and potential that exists within underserved communities.
This moment at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center will resonate beyond the prison walls, echoing hopes for lasting change and reform in educational access. The achievements of these eighteen women stand as a testament to the power of education in promoting rehabilitation and empowerment.