Northwestern Prison Education Program - NPEP

Join NPEP grad James Soto tomorrow night as he narrates Frederic Rzewski’s “Coming Together,” a burning dive into the injustices of incarceration.

View livestream and purchase tickets here: https://www.music.northwestern.edu/events/contemporary-music-ensemble-8

Join us May 29 for Short Films from the Inside, featuring seven micro-short films made within the walls of Sheridan Correctional Center, written, directed and acted by NPEP students.

Congratulations to NPEP student Jason Gorham and all of the “Northwestern Insider” contributors for their Stillwater Awards, which recognize excellence in prison journalism!

Join us for Community Hour May 30!

Join us May 14 for a screening of and panel discussion about “Just Like Us,” a documentary created by NPEP students.

Join us April 30 for Community Hour!

Congrats to our 2026 graduates; we're so proud of you!!

Northwestern Prison Education Program honors second graduating cohort at ceremony Less than three years after the Northwestern Prison Education Program’s inaugural class graduated in November 2023, a second cohort of incarcerated students received their bachelor’s degrees from Northwestern on Monday morning.  The graduates joined the 2023 cohort as the only people in the U.S...

JABARI NICKS

Jabari Nicks is a writer, mentor, and advocate who uses education as a foundation for personal transformation and community impact.

In NPEP, Jabari distinguished himself through his thoughtful engagement and creative expression. Professor Michael Deas reflects on his experience in the classroom: “In my op-ed class, Jabari Nicks brought a strong desire to learn and a deep commitment to education, along with the courage to step outside of his comfort zone. He approached the course with curiosity, discipline, and a thoughtful perspective that enriched our class experience.” Deas also highlights Jabari’s work beyond the classroom, noting his book “The Agony & Ecstasy of Love,” which “reflects his creative voice and depth as both a poet and an author.” He adds that Jabari is “a man of principle whose dedication to growing personally and contributing positively to society has earned my respect.”

Jabari’s commitment to growth and service is also evident in the ways he connects his lived experience to the support of others. As Professor Baron Reed observes, “Jabari has a tremendous heart. He was an accomplished poet when he joined NPEP, and his concern for connecting with others, in art and in activism, has only deepened as he has pursued his education. He has become a philosopher in the best sense of the word, always asking not only what a philosophical perspective says but also what it means for how people live and love each other. Jabari’s commitment to allowing the heart to provide ballast for the head kept our philosophy class well balanced, and the emotional intelligence he has honed will undoubtedly be a gift to his community.”

Reflecting on his journey, Jabari shares, “I take pride in becoming a college graduate. It is especially meaningful to graduate from Northwestern University. This has been a dream of mine that was delayed, but not denied.” He is currently a member of Activating Change, a national council working to end the incarceration of individuals with disabilities and to challenge mass incarceration. Looking ahead, Jabari plans to use his degree to encourage, teach, and motivate youth in his community and across the nation.

PAUL MODROWSKI

With a foundation in the social sciences and a growing body of experience in physics, Paul Modrowski has developed the tools to engage seriously with complex scientific questions.

Paul’s NPEP education was instrumental in shaping his career path: “My NPEP education gave me a broad and invaluable foundation. It expanded my understanding of the world across many disciplines and helped me become a more complete and thoughtful person. While my degree in social sciences was not a direct pathway into astrophysics, it opened doors that would not otherwise have been available.”

One discipline that significantly strengthened Paul’s ability to engage with complex ideas was philosophy. Professor Sandy Goldberg describes him as having “a natural curiosity that lends itself wonderfully to philosophical discussion. His inquisitiveness in class often enabled us to frame questions of fundamental importance. I was invariably impressed by the seriousness with which he pursued answers.”

While at Stateville, Paul expanded his studies to include physics and describes an independent study in high-energy astrophysics with Professor Sasha Tchekhovskoy as a “defining experience” in which he realized that he “was capable of contributing to scientific thinking.”

Since returning home, Paul has further developed his academic interests, including pursuing a physics internship at Yale University. He remains actively engaged in research with Professor Tchekhovskoy, who was so impressed with his performance that he invited Paul to join his research group. Professor Tchekhovskoy notes: “In the classroom, Paul came well-prepared, often with several of my recent research papers printed and carefully annotated in the margins. He consistently asks questions that get to the crux of the physics involved. In addition, Paul is a genuinely kind person and an excellent communicator—always ready to help others improve how they present their research, and exceptionally skilled at doing so.”

Looking ahead, Paul remains committed to advancing his work in astrophysics: “I am focused on understanding how the natural universe works and on building a career as a serious scientist."

BRODERICK HOLLINS SR.

Broderick Hollins Sr. is a dedicated father, therapist, and restorative justice practitioner.

In NPEP, Broderick found what he describes as “a real second chance at life.” He reflects, “NPEP means the world to me. My time in the Northwestern Prison Education Program truly transformed the way I think, and that transformation has shaped the way I live today.” Because of this experience, he now serves as both a therapist and a restorative justice peace circle facilitator.

He also credits the people who made that transformation possible: “The brilliance of Jennifer Lackey opened doors for me, and her love and belief in me helped walk me through them. I am no longer a prisoner in my mind.” Grounded in deep gratitude, he adds, “NPEP didn’t just educate me—it restored me.”

Professor Annie Buth reflects on witnessing that transformation firsthand: “When I began working with Broderick (Rick) in the summer of 2021, we spoke about hopes and dreams. He dreamed of becoming a counselor for survivors of incarceration, which is exactly what he is doing today as a GRO Community therapist.” She emphasizes that while his accomplishments are remarkable, it is his willingness to draw on difficult experiences to support others that sets him apart. “By sharing his own struggles, he supports others in doing the same,” she writes, noting his courage, resilience, and deep care for his children, ancestors, and community.

Professor Megan Klein highlights Broderick’s extraordinary dedication to education during reentry. “Despite the incredible pressures and barriers of reentry, Broderick prioritized his schoolwork,” she writes, recalling his consistent engagement and intellectual curiosity. She describes him as “someone who cares deeply about his family and community, cherishes his education, and spends his days intentionally working to make the world a better place,” adding that she feels immense pride seeing him recognized as a 2025 Distinguished Alumnus at Oakton College.

Today, Broderick carries forward the transformation NPEP made possible—using his education, lived experience, and compassion to guide others toward healing, hope, and meaningful change.