MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections held a graduation ceremony Monday, May 19, honoring nine men.
In a unique partnership, the Second Chance Pell program allows students to receive education and technical training while in custody.
The students completed 17 credit hours and earned their Welding Fundamentals certification.
The program offers graduates a shot at redemption and opens the door to employment opportunities after serving their sentence.
"This certificate is not just a piece of paper," said Hector Miranda, program graduate. "The result of our determination, our commitment to growth, and our belief in second chances. Let's carry the knowledge and skills we have acquired here at MATC and let's use them to create positive change."
MATC was the first Wisconsin college to participate in the Second Chance program.