118 Mabel Bassett Correctional Center inmates graduate; 2 obtain college degrees

Most female inmates come to prison with little to no education, a substance abuse problem, and a lifetime of trauma – as well as children left behind due to their mothers’ incarceration. 

So it goes without saying that Wednesday’s graduation at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud was a momentous occasion for 118 inmates. 

54 received high school diplomas, and 62 completed CareerTech courses. 2 graduated from college – which they paid for themselves (a common myth is that inmates receive free college tuition).