Ohio inmates pursuing degrees at the University of Akron [Video]

LONDON, Ohio — Some of the inmates at Madison Correctional Institution are working toward a college degree in partnership with the University of Akron. In this unique and innovative program, Ohio Penal Industries, The University of Akron, Summit Glove of Minerva and American Nitrile of Grove City are partnering to make jobs and an associate degree in applied polymer technology a possibility.

Ohio Penal Industries, or OPI, partnered with the College of Engineering and Polymer Science at UA to provide online courses taught like traditional college classes. OPI is an entity of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. It operates off no tax dollars and funds programs like its partnership with the University of Akron through its own revenue.

After incarceration, the inmates who earned a degree would be eligible to apply for a good-paying job with American Nitrile to continue using the new skills and degrees earned.

Currently, …