_{Photo by Allison Jones}

The OPEN MINDS Program

shared inquiries, shared hope

 

In this classroom, we are all equals, classmates, incarcerated and free, we are equal.

Michelle Webb, VCU student

OPEN MINDS is a college program sponsored by the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office and Virginia Commonwealth University offering dual enrollment classes held at the Richmond City Jail. These classes challenge all students, incarcerated and free, to think critically about the social problems surrounding crime. All students learn to dialogue respectfully and imaginatively about their shared humanity; to write creatively and analytically in search of common ground; and to link the liberal arts to personal experience and ethical ways of living.

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