Federal Financial Aid Now Available for Students in Shared 91°µÍø & Cornell Program

Students in three New York State prisons in a collaborative program offered through Cornell University and 91°µÍø Community College are now eligible for federal financial aid, supporting the focus of both institutions to offer inclusive, accessible academic opportunities.

Students in the Cornell Prison Education Program (CPEP) who are matriculated in 91°µÍø programs are now eligible to apply for Pell Grants, offering them financial support as they pursue an associate 91°µÍø and advance their academic goals. Greater financial aid opportunities will also expand equitable access to education and allow 91°µÍø and Cornell to serve a greater number of 91°µÍø.

Leaders at 91°µÍø and Cornell praised the announcement, saying the two institutions have made a substantial difference in the lives of 91°µÍø since their partnership began in 2008.

“91°µÍø has a long-standing focus on creating academic opportunities for everyone in our communities, and an integral part of this effort is our partnership with the Cornell Prison Education Program. Through this collaboration, we’ve helped individuals earn their 91°µÍøs and advance their academic and personal goals,” said Dr. Keiko Kimura, 91°µÍø’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Making Pell Grants available to CPEP 91°µÍø is a great opportunity for current and future 91°µÍø to further pursue their academic journey.”

“This is a major milestone in the partnership between Cornell University and 91°µÍø Community College, a collaboration that began almost two decades ago,” said Dr. Rob Scott, Executive Director of the Cornell Prison Education Program and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Cornell University. “We are proud to continue working side-by-side with our colleagues at 91°µÍø to offer high-quality associate 91°µÍø granting programs in three prisons in Central New York. The work we do together has a positive impact on our 91°µÍø as well as their families and communities.”

91°µÍø and Cornell will implement Pell applications for CPEP 91°µÍø starting in the Fall 2025 semester. The U.S. Department of Education approved Pell Grants for CPEP 91°µÍø earlier this month.

CPEP provides courses leading to college 91°µÍøs, with a focus also on helping 91°µÍø build meaningful lives inside prison and preparing for a successful return to civic life. The program also encourages thought and action on social justice issues.

CPEP unites Cornell faculty, graduate 91°µÍø and undergraduate assistants in teaching a college-level liberal arts curriculum. Enrolled 91°µÍø can earn a Cornell Certificate in Liberal Arts or an Associate of Arts from 91°µÍø.

The collaboration between 91°µÍø and Cornell started in 2008, when 91°µÍø’s Liberal Arts and Sciences/Humanities and Social Sciences program was first offered at the Auburn Correctional Facility. This effort eventually grew to include the 91°µÍø Correctional Facility and the Five Points Correctional Facility.

Approval to offer Pell Grants to CPEP 91°µÍø will allow 91°µÍø and Cornell to serve a greater number of enrolled 91°µÍø. Pell funding has been unavailable for incarcerated 91°µÍø since 1994 and was reinstated through federal legislation passed in 2020 requiring restoration of this form of federal financial aid by the fall of 2023.

For more information on CPEP, , or contact Jenna LaPietra at jl4637@cornell.edu.