The SCI-Graterford Educational Department offered support to individuals developing academic and vocational skills. The program offered GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for those whose primary language is not English, and periodic college courses for those ready for higher education.
Founded in 1984 at SCI-Graterford, the Prison Literacy Project (PLP) provided tutoring services to support incarcerated learners in developing literacy and essential knowledge. Through the guidance and modeling of volunteer tutors, participants gained critical reading and writing skills, as well as tools to support their transition back into the community upon re-entry.
Montgomery County Community College provided courses in Business Management at SCI-Graterford starting in 1980. In the fall of 2003, at the institution's request, the college introduced the Certificate in Hospitality Management program. The program offered advising, registration, and other support services onsite at SCI-Graterford.
Photo Credits: Penn Live
Developed by the School of Theology at the University of the South at Sewanee, the Education for Ministry (EfM) program at SCI-Graterford provided a unique opportunity for theological study and spiritual reflection within a small-group setting. The educational program guided participants in deepening their understanding of Christian tradition and discovering their call to service in the world.
At Graterford, EfM was led by mentor Ginny Slichter, who facilitated the program for over 13 years. Known for her compassion and dedication, she supported participants in reflecting on their faith and transforming their lives, even within the confines of long-term incarceration. Despite the fact that many participants faced life sentences, they engaged in meaningful theological dialogue and personal growth through the program. EfM graduations at Graterford often featured powerful testimonies from participants, who expressed gratitude for the spiritual guidance and sense of community the program provided.
Photo Credits: Dennis H. Warner Memorial Foundation
The Villanova Program at SCI-Graterford, established in 1972, was the only degree-granting program for incarcerated people in Pennsylvania. As one of the oldest continuously running prison education programs in the United States, it provided students with the opportunity to earn a college degree while engaging in the same rigorous curriculum offered on Villanova University's main campus. The program emphasized critical thinking, lifelong learning, and moral reflection, empowering participants to pursue higher education and personal growth within the constraints of the prison system. After the closure of Graterford, the program transitioned to SCI-Phoenix, where it continues to operate today.
Photo Credits: National Public Radio
The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program at SCI-Graterford was established in 1997 as a semester-long college course that brought together students from Temple University and incarcerated students to engage in dialogue and learning around issues of crime, justice, and social change. The program fostered transformative educational experiences by creating a collaborative space where participants critically examined the criminal legal system and built meaningful connections across social divides.
In addition to the core classes, the Graterford Think Tank was formed as a collective of Inside-Out alumni (inside and out) along with faculty members. The Think Tank met regularly to address social justice issues and facilitated workshops aimed at transforming communities and advocating for systemic change. The program, which began at Graterford, has since grown into an international movement, with its headquarters remaining at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Photo Credits: Inside Out Center
