New Program Puts Non-Violent Offenders In College
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office launched a pilot program this week that will divert non-violent felony offenders from jail to college.
Future Forward will take non-violent offenders facing up to five years in jail for a felony and require that they enroll in the Community College of Philadelphia.
"Instead of using tax payer money for juries or for mass incarceration, we are going to offer these offenders hope an education," says Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.
He says the pilot program is the first of its kind and is a partnership between his office, CCP, courts and the Defenders Association. Enrollees must be 24 years or older and have a high school diploma or GED. They'll have to apply and get a Pell Grant then enroll in and complete 24 credits at the Community College during the course of a year.
"We'll allow them to learn skills so they become productive members of society," says Williams.
Prosecutors will select up to 20 offenders- who are 24 or older and have a GED or High school diploma to go through the voluntary program over the next year.
