06/13/2025
The Jane Addams Center for Social Policy and Research recently celebrated five individuals who completed its Free to Excel program, which assists individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system to further their education by helping them obtain a General Educational Diploma (GED), high school diploma or college degree.
Gwendolyn Baxter, David Benifield, Michelle Gaines, Torrence Price and Claricia Wilmer were recognized at a reception to celebrate their achievements. Under the direction of John Hardy, senior research specialist at the Policy Center, the program helps individuals “navigate challenges that may hinder the path to successful educational experiences for justice-involved individuals.
“Our staff understands that there are barriers that restrict individuals with adverse backgrounds from achieving academic success,” Hardy said. “Free to Excel helps facilitate the success of participants through advocacy, support, and academic services. We provide academic advisors, peer mentoring groups, information guides, referrals, forums, conferences, and workshops.”
Free to Excel’s target population are individuals who have been incarcerated, on probation, or have a criminal record. Entry to the program may also be granted to individuals who are rebounding from other adverse circumstances such as homelessness, foster care, poverty, and other conditions that cause a disconnect from mainstream society.
To learn more about the Free to Excel program, contact John Hardy at [email protected].
