Catalogue

Bard Prison Initiative

bpi.bard.edu

The Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) offers credit-bearing coursework leading to associate’s and bachelor’s degrees at three long-term, maximum-security prisons and four transitional, medium-security prisons in New York State. Across these seven sites, incarcerated students are engaged in rigorous coursework in the humanities, foreign languages, sciences, mathematics, and studio arts. They also complete the five pillars of the Bard curriculum: the Language and Thinking and Citizen Science programs, First-Year Seminar, Moderation, and the Senior Project. To date, BPI students have earned more than 750 Bard College degrees. Upon returning home from incarceration, BPI alumni/ae pursue careers in private industry, the arts, social services, health professions, the nonprofit sector, and academia. 

In addition to operating its seven New York State sites, BPI founded the national Consortium for the Liberal Arts in Prison, based at Bard College. The Consortium cultivates and supports the development of new programs at other colleges and universities as part of an ongoing initiative to expand quality college-in-prison opportunities across the United States and internationally. BPI students and alumni/ae are the focus of an Emmy-nominated documentary film series directed by Lynn Novick, produced by Sarah Botstein, and executive produced by Ken Burns. College Behind Bars aired on PBS in 2019. 

Founded by Max Kenner ’01, the Bard Prison Initiative continues to have a profound effect on the intellectual life of the College. Each week, students at the Annandale campus visit regional prisons for joint seminars and as tutors in advanced math, languages, academic writing, and other subjects. Involvement in BPI shapes the educational and career trajectories of many of these tutors, who carry BPI’s mission into their future pursuits.