Vera Institute of Justice

Event registration begins at 8:00 am, program begins at 8:30 am.

Access to postsecondary education for people in prison has the power to change individual lives and entire communities. Please join the Bank of America, Detroit Regional Chamber, Corrections to College California, and the Vera Institute of Justice for a breakfast briefing on the importance and significant benefits to the business community of expanding access to postsecondary education for people in prison. The discussion will frame the national and local conversations on this issue to highlight the implications for your community. Panelists will delve into findings from the Investing in Futures report and the Don't Stop Now report, focusing on the established economic benefits of higher education in prison—in areas such as public safety, employment, and state economy.

The conversation will also bring experienced perspectives from the Detroit area together to break down the impact and the opportunities for every stakeholder involved including college leaders and employers including:

Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber

Laura Tatum, Director of Jobs and Education, Economic Security & Opportunity Initiative, Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality

Margaret diZerega, Project Director, Vera Institute of Justice

Matt Elliott, Michigan Market President and Region Executive, Bank of America

Heather Gay, Education Director, Michigan Department of Corrections

Brian Jones, Student, Eastern Michigan University

Barbara McQuade, Former U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Michigan; Professor from Practice, University of Michigan; Legal Analyst for NBC News and MSNBC

Robert G. Riney, President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Henry Ford Health System

Rebecca Silbert, Senior Fellow and Director of Corrections to College, Opportunity Institute

Frank Venegas, Chairman & CEO, Ideal Group

Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, President, Mott Community College

This is the second in a series of Investing in Futures events, in collaboration with Bank of America and Corrections to College California. Stay tuned for upcoming events in Cleveland, Boston, and Charlotte.