Boston College Prison Education Program Expands To MCI-Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Boston College Prison Education Program is expanding its reach in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) and Boston College have announced that the program will now serve people housed at the MCI-Framingham facility.

Currently, the BCPEP program serves individuals housed at the MCI-Shirley facility, where it launched in 2019. Since then, more than 100 people have enrolled in the program with eight receiving degrees.

The program celebrated its first graduating cohort in 2024, and most recently, on Sept. 18, honored the latest group of degree recipients.

The success of MCI-Shirley’s program was the catalyst for bringing this program to the women’s facility in Framingham, officials said.

“By expanding our partnerships and educational opportunities, we increase the success of individuals as they reenter communities,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “We applaud Boston College for expanding their program to MCI-Framingham and for their continued commitment to supporting successful reentry.”

The expansion of BCPEP into MCI-Framingham will be launched as a one-year pilot program in January 2026, enrolling 10 to 12 students while evaluating the academic, logistical and infrastructure needs for long-term sustainability, officials said.

It will be funded by a $100,000 grant from the New England Prison Education Collaborative, and the program is offered at no cost to incarcerated individuals.

Participants will gain college-level skills and earn credits applicable toward a degree, while also developing strong abilities in academic writing, teamwork, critical thinking, communication and time management, officials said.

Students who are released are encouraged to continue their education at Boston College’s Woods College of Advancing Studies.