Amerion College is proud of its efforts to extend education opportunities through college-level classes in entrepreneurship, business management, and civics to incarcerated students. With our staff’s experience in Florida since 2016, serving over 600 incarcerated men in a civics education program, Amerion College launched a for-credit pilot program with 20 students, in 2022. In 2024, Amerion College successfully launched its Prison Education Program (PEP).
Our PEP serves over 80 students using tablet technology and our learning management system. Our students are grateful, eager learners, who want to do their best, many of whom say they’ve learned from their past mistakes and now sincerely want to help others. This includes men who will never get out of prison. Some are now using what they learned in class, and what they previously picked up on the street, to point their children, spouses, exes and fellow prisoners in the right direction.
Demand for college credit opportunities is unprecedented since the passage of the FAFSA Simplification Act. Our program, and others like it, is intended to help individuals with criminal backgrounds reestablish their footing when they’re released from prison and give students opportunities for intellectual pursuits while incarcerated. Upon release, active students may complete their degrees at Amerion College or transfer elsewhere, and graduates who wish to continue their education may do so by applying to other institutions with whom Amerion College has articulation agreements.
Dr. Kris Bertelsen, speaking to students, is Vice President, CAO, and Director of Prison Education for Amerion College.
Jim Flanagan, Florida Director Prison Education Program Student Success, is a dedicated faculty member for the Prison Education Program for Amerion College.
Students, faculty, and facility staff, celebrating students’ accomplishments and resilience during commencement exercises.
Fostering Civic-Minded Students
Amerion College believes in the importance of civic education for all students. That’s why we’ve incorporated a Civics Certificate into all degrees offered at the college. We know most incarcerated individuals will return home and believe that successful reentry benefits the entire community. Our mission is to provide the tools people need to succeed post-release. We are grateful to support our students in building better futures for themselves and their families.
“It’s in everybody’s best interest to help our students land on their feet and become successful contributors to society. The prison education environment is changing, and Amerion College is grateful to be part of it. ”
-Kris Bertelsen, Vice President, CAO & Director of Prison Education
What Students Are Saying
“Not only did I gain clarity and definition on practical and essential communication factors, but the professor also challenged me to incorporate subjects and themes well outside my comfort zone. In this season of my life, I am grateful for every opportunity to think outside the box.”
– S.K. | South Bay Correctional Student
“Presenting my business idea to colleagues and professionals was both challenging and rewarding teaching me how to convert nerves into confidence, ideas into influence while cultivating resilience and optimism. This course continues to shape the way I approach challenges as opportunities with a renewed sense of empowerment to lead with clarity and purpose.”
– R.W. | South Bay Correctional Student
Learn More
For more information about our Prison Education Program, please contact Kris Bertelsen: kbertelsen@amerion.edu
