Boston College’s PEP*: Giving Those on Parole a New Chance

Communications Office

Jeanmarie Gribaudo, CSJ, with two students from the program.

After years behind bars, reintegration into society isn’t like peeling off a band aid; it’s akin to cutting off a plaster cast and being asked to run a marathon. From the simplest experiences, such as being in large crowds, to tasks challenging to the everyday person, such as landing a new job, the reemergence can be daunting. Boston College saw a need, and with the help of an anonymous donor, launched a program that could help people in this situation. One of these components involves the work of Jeanmarie Gribaudo, CSJ.

Known as “Sister Jean” to her students, she teaches a course for incarcerated students entitled “The Examined Life” which provides participants with the opportunity to take a long look at their reality, where they have been, what choices they have made, where they are now, and the choices that lie before them. 

On August 27, a group of students who took this course gathered to reflect on the program and share key insights they’ll take with them as they continue their journeys integrating back into society and finishing their Boston College degree. Many of them emphasized how grateful they were for the new perspective this course provided them, as well as the whole program.

*PEP: Prison Education Program

Students receiving notebooks for completing a retreat.

 Moments from August 27th…