Nobody rebuilds a life alone.
We are a student-led nonprofit focused on raising awareness and fostering dialogue about prison education initiatives and challenges faced by justice impacted individuals while addressing systemic barriers through collaboration with our communities.
In 2023, three NC State Park Scholars — Akshar Patel, Shiva Gadireddy, and Siri Mudunuri — took an active interest in education within the carceral system, focused on the Wake County area. That interest became the Second Chance Initiative.
In April 2025, SCI was established as an official student organization to make sure the mission would outlast its founders' time on campus. A new executive board took the reins, and after hosting a reentry simulation with OurJourney that October, membership opened to the wider NC State community.
SCI achieved nonprofit status in March 2026 and continues building a foothold in the reentry and rehabilitation space — through partnering with our local community.
We work at the intersection of higher education, advocacy, and direct support, connecting the classroom to the courtroom to the front door of home.
Advocacy
Continuing conversations with higher-education partners to establish education initiatives, and fighting for incarcerated individuals' rights at the legislative level.
Support
Connecting formerly incarcerated students with counselors and individuals at NC State to better facilitate reentry.
Engagement
Using social media and outreach efforts to engage and inform the local NC State community toward action.
Education
Promoting education within the carceral system through materials, volunteer service, and collaboration.
Where our projects stand.
GED Tutoring
NCSU students and faculty participate in weekly volunteer tutoring to currently incarcerated individuals in Central Prison, Raleigh.
Interested in participating? Sign up hereCurrent Research Projects
Higher Education for Justice-Impacted Individuals
Researching the barriers previously incarcerated applicants face when applying to college.
Reentry Guide Resources
Details coming soon.
Research Project: Response to Needs Indicated by NC Nonprofits
Understanding which NC counties show the highest volume of women released from DAC custody per capita over the last 5–10 years.
Secondary Research Project: Response to Needs Indicated by NC Nonprofits
Understanding the recidivism rate for women in NC within a 2-year tracking window, and the significant differences in that rate across racial and demographic groups.
Completed Projects
OurJourney Reentry Simulation
Modeled the reintegration process after incarceration, including housing, employment, and social services, for those who've never experienced it firsthand.
Next on the calendar.
SCI & NC DAC Reentry Simulation
The Reentry Simulation is an immersive exercise that models the process of reintegrating back into society after incarceration. The point of the simulation is to assist individuals with understanding the barriers justice-impacted individuals face when returning to society, including the lack of access to social services, housing, and employment opportunities. Individuals will assume the identity of a previously incarcerated individual and attempt to successfully reenter society despite the challenges they face.
Sign up for the simulationUpcoming meetings & speakers.
General body meetings and speaker events, every other Wednesday this fall.
We don't do this work alone.
North Carolina Prison Education Consortium
A coalition of more than 16 higher education institutions and organizations across North Carolina collaborating to offer college programs within correctional facilities. Together with the NC Department of Adult Correction, we help educate incarcerated students, support their college enrollment and degree completion, and facilitate their reentry into the community.
The team behind the work.
Join the conversation on reentry and education.
Whether you're a student, an educator, or a community partner, there's a place for you in this work.