8 inmates graduate from MATC while in custody as part of "Second Chance" program

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- "Gentlemen, we've made it. We prepared for this moment. We have earned this moment."

Deandre Davis is one of the young men who graduated today, on May 26, while still in custody of the Department of Corrections.

This is a pilot program called "Second Chance" and MATC is the first Wisconsin school to have it.

These graduates studied the fundamentals of welding -- a skill that should help them when they get out.

They received their certificates today, with a grade point average of 3.8.

"Congratulations, cause you guys set the bar high, just like our other cohorts before you and you guys are continuing that tradition," said Dwayne Windham, Correctional Education Manager.

"When preparation and opportunity meets, success is near. So always be ready. You never know when a door may open, expecting you to walk in and show up ready," said Davis.

Recent research has shown that inmates who participate in educational programs while in prison have a 43% lower chance of ending up back in prison than those who don't.