COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – On Friday, several South Carolina Department of Corrections student inmates marked a major accomplishment as they celebrated their graduation from the Columbia International University Prison Initiative.

The prison initiative consists of two years of course designed to prepare inmates for ministry within the prison system. The graduates are enrolled in courses in the Old and New Testament, history, English, and more.

“Graduates of the CIU Prison Initiative step forward every day and make a difference in the lives of their fellow inmates,” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. “We are fortunate to be able to offer this degree program at no cost to taxpayers through our continued partnership with CIU.”

The program began in 2007 and today, 13 more graduates earned their degrees. Since its inception, 201 men and women have graduated from the program serving in 21 institutions.

Organizers say they hope that in their roles, the graduates can help improve the culture of the prison population.

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