SAULT STE. MARIE — Lake Superior State University officially launched its Success Through Educational Pathways in the U.P. (STEP UP) program – a first-of-its-kind educational program designed to help those who are incarcerated.
LSSU said the program is designed to extend educational opportunities to the underserved population, offering participants the chance to earn an associate degree in small business administration.
Development of the program started in 2022 and was officially approved to start offering degrees this past February. Currently, 20 inmates from the Chippewa Correction Facility in Kincheloe are students enrolled in the program and scheduled to graduate in summer 2026.
“We will be making a huge difference in the lives of all of these students. You work with them. You see that they are so excited to be learning. They are asking great questions. They’re helping each other. They are taking advantage of all the resources,” said Marc Boucher, program coordinator.
The program was made possible by restoration of Pell grant funding for incarcerated students back in 2021.