Northwestern Prison Education Program holds first graduation since Stateville closure

April 19, 2026 - 09:43

In a powerful ceremony held on Northwestern University's campus, the Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP) celebrated its first graduating class since the closure of the Stateville Correctional Center program site. The event marked a significant milestone, honoring the perseverance of students who continued their studies despite the logistical upheaval.

The commencement was underscored by a poignant address from renowned attorney and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson. “Education is liberation and your freedom is what I want to celebrate this morning,” Stevenson told the graduates, framing their academic achievement as a profound act of self-determination.

The NPEP provides a rigorous, credit-bearing liberal arts curriculum to incarcerated students, offering them a pathway to an accredited Northwestern degree. The program's resilience in transitioning from its original location at Stateville demonstrates a steadfast commitment to educational access. Faculty and administrators praised the graduates for their dedication, highlighting the transformative power of education within the carceral system.

The ceremony served not only as an academic recognition but as a testament to the students' unwavering commitment to personal growth and intellectual pursuit under challenging circumstances. The graduates crossed the stage to receive their well-earned credentials, surrounded by the support of peers, educators, and family members, embodying Stevenson's message of liberation through learning.