Prison to possibility: KU TRIO program helps incarcerated individuals rebuild through education

LAWRENCE — Imagine spending 10 years behind bars with limited contact with the outside world. Then one night, you’re removed from your cell and dropped off in an unfamiliar city, alone, with no job, no savings and no connections. This was the reality for Destney Williams, a former Topeka Correctional Facility inmate. 

“I'm not from Topeka, and I didn’t know anyone in Topeka when I got out of prison,” Williams said. “They pretty much just kick you out and tell you to figure it out.” 

After a decade in a state prison and with no degree, Williams said she struggled to stay afloat, even after finding a job.  

“I just couldn't afford to support myself no matter how many hours I worked,” Williams said. “I just could not get ahead.” 

Reentry into society after years can be abrupt and overwhelming, especially for those who entered the system as teenagers. With little preparation, many have to navigate a maze of housing, employment and education alone. Their success can be the difference between moving forward and ending up back behind bars. 

The TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), a program within the Center for Educational Opportunity Programs at the University of Kansas, is working to make reentry to society easier through education, support and connections. Melody Lawrence, a TRIO EOC academic adviser, works with the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex to create pathways to education for inmates seeking a fresh start. 

Williams wanted to go back to school but didn’t know where to start. She was referred to Lawrence, who was offering FAFSA assistance at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library by a Shawnee County Reentry Council member. Lawrence helped Williams fill out her FAFSA and learn about the nearby opportunities. Since then, Williams has received certifications in welding and electrical technology from Washburn Tech University. 

“TRIO EOC has helped me a lot because I probably would have gone back to prison if Melody was not here for me,” Williams said. 

Inspired by Williams’ successful reentry and educational journey, Lawrence participated in the Shawnee County Reentry Council meeting to help more people like Williams. At the conference, a reentry simulation highlighted the difficulties and barriers of reentry. 

“It was very eye-opening as to the barriers that justice-involved folks encounter upon reentry into society,” Lawrence said. “My first thought was that this is why people go back to prison or jail. Because they don't have the resources for them to be successful.” 

Lawrence joined the Reentry Opportunity Conference of Kansas (ROCK) committee to help plan the annual ROCK conference, which is dedicated to advancing reentry services for Kansans. It was there that Lawrence met Justin Knutzen, a reentry coordinator at Shawnee County Department of Corrections who teaches life and employment skills. The two connected and began their partnership to support individuals reentering society and benefit Kansas as a whole.  

“Kansans spend around $24,000 to $26,000 a year on average for a single person to be incarcerated, and that's not even adding the mental or physical health aspect, which bumps the cost up further,” Knutzen said. “When they receive this education and don’t come back, that’s saving cost and putting money back into the system.” 

While Knutzen focuses on skills needed for daily life and employment, Lawrence teaches students about the education opportunities available to them, whether that’s getting a GED diploma, enrolling in college or going to a trade school. She also shares information about scholarships, applying for FAFSA and leveraging their experience. 

Lawrence said these classes are just the beginning. She is looking for ways to grow TRIO EOC’s offerings to justice-involved individuals and is interested in partnering with organizations doing similar work to expand the center’s reach. Lawrence will also be presenting a breakout session at the 2025 ROCK Conference, Aug. 26-28 in Topeka, on education opportunities for individuals currently and recently incarcerated. 

“We're all human, and we all fall sometimes,” Lawrence said. “I want to provide as many opportunities as possible to show people that it’s okay to ask for help. There is hope.” 

About CEOP 

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs (CEOP), a center within the Achievement & Assessment Institute at KU, is building a legacy of learners and leaders through a commitment to educational excellence.