On Friday, February 26, 2021, 91 participants tuned in to Hostos' Educating for Change: Stories from the Bronx webinar featuring PBS' acclaimed "College Behind Bars" Director Lynn Novak, Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) alumnus Giovannie Hernandez, Professor Elys Vasquez-Iscan, FACES Program Manager Hondo Martinez, and AVP of the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy at The Fortune Society, Andre Ward. 
 
A post-event survey with 54 respondents provided some valuable feedback. Other CUNYs, SUNYs, and community-based organizations accounted for 30% of survey respondents' institutional affiliations. Forty percent of respondents heard about the event from a faculty member, and 42% identified as students. One of the event's goals was to raise awareness of programs like BPI, and 57% of respondents were not familiar with it before the event and 81% indicated they heard something that challenged their perceptions or provided new insights. Respondents rated the event highly, with 85% giving it an "excellent" rating and 12% "very good.” Here are some of the qualitative comments from survey respondents: 
 
"Tonight's event was intensely gripping and powerful. Truly the best Zoom event I have ever witnessed. I could relate to the panel in so many ways, and that made their stories an even bigger inspiration." 
 
"I have volunteered in maximum security prisons and taught in a medium security. Tonight's program was life-affirming. I am feeling energized! Thank you!"
 
"I am a formerly incarcerated [person], having served 23 years. Upon my release, I attended Hostos and obtained my A.A. I am well aware of the greatness of the staff and professors there. It was a joy to see some of them and your work product." 
 
We want to thank Hostos for the tremendous support, particularly the faculty who attended and invited their students. We hope to see you on March 26 in collaboration with Hostos Women’s History Month.
 
Co-Organizers Sarah Hoiland and Marsha Milan Bethel.
 
Educating for Change: Womens' Stories (Part II of IV)
Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. (entry at 6:45 p.m.)
30-min watch of PBS' "College Behind Bars" episode followed by a 60-minute panel.
Panelists: Film Producer Salimah El-Amin; Bard Prison Initiative alumna Shawnta Montgomery; Hostos Professor Sandy Figueroa; SUNY Purchase Professor Ragnhild Utheim; Director of Programs College & Community Fellowship Maria Santangelo. Moderated by Marsha Milan-Bethel.
 
To RSVP, click here:  https://bit.ly/CBB_HCC2021