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Hudson Link Celebrates Record-Breaking College Graduation at Green Haven Correctional Facility
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May 19^th, 2026 — Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison celebrates its largest graduation ceremony to date at Green Haven Correctional Facility, honoring 41 graduates who earned associate degrees through Hudson Link’s partnership with Columbia-Greene Community College. Lawrence Bartley, Executive Director of The Marshall Project’s News Inside and a Hudson Link alumnus, delivered the keynote address while Delroy T., a graduating student, served as the student speaker.

The ceremony marks one of the largest associate degree graduating classes in a New York State correctional facility this year and reflects the continued growth of college access inside prison through Hudson Link’s higher education programs.

“To see 41 students walk across the stage is a historic moment for not only Hudson Link, but for higher education at Green Haven Correctional Facility. It shows that meaningful transformation happens through partnerships and demonstrates the determination of our students to build new futures for themselves, their families, and their communities,” shared Sean Pica, Hudson Link’s President.  

"We are incredibly proud of the academic achievements of our students," said Dr. Victoria L. Walsh, president of Columbia-Greene Community College. "The Prison Education Program speaks to one of our primary missions as an institution; serving the community in a holistic way. Providing incarcerated individuals with the tools required to pursue their purpose in life, helps to prevent recidivism, and serves our community."

The ceremony also comes at a significant moment of growth for Hudson Link. Earlier this year, the organization launched a new bachelor’s degree partnership with SUNY New Paltz, creating a new pathway for students at Green Haven to continue their education beyond the associate degree level at the site.  

“Education creates opportunity, restores dignity, and strengthens communities. With the launch of our SUNY New Paltz bachelor’s program at Green Haven, students now have the opportunity to continue their academic journey with us at this stie and pursue long-term educational and professional goals.” said Pica

Bartley’s keynote address reflected the importance of persistence, preparation, and education in creating opportunities for success after incarceration. , Bartley earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees while incarcerated which included time served at Green Haven and now leads one of the nation’s leading prison journalism initiatives.

In his address, Bartley shares a message to inspire this graduating class for what comes next: “I wasn’t the most experienced person in the room. But I was prepared.”

Student speaker Delroy T. encouraged graduates to use their education not only for personal growth, but to positively impact the people around them and support others pursuing opportunities inside the facility.

“Let us use our intelligence to help others. Use the information you gained through your classes and self-education to uplift people and situations. Don’t walk past these young men in the halls and turn up your noses. Say good morning and good night to your neighbors. Help someone earn their GED on the yard. Bring a college application. Talk someone out of making a bad decision.”

Delroy’s remarks reflected the ceremony’s broader message of leadership, transformation, and the power of higher education to strengthen both individuals and communities.
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About Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison: Hudson Link (hudsonlink.org) empowers currently and formerly incarcerated people to realize their academic and economic potential by managing degree-granting college programs and providing essential re-entry support. Established in 1998, Hudson Link has transformed over two thousand lives helping incarcerated people make a positive impact on their own lives, their families and communities, resulting in lower rates of recidivism, incarceration and poverty. Working with seven college partners, Hudson Link provides funding, management and organizational support for academic programs leading to a college degree at four correctional facilities. In addition to in-prison college programs, Hudson Link operates a strong portfolio of services for alumni, including transitional housing through an initiative called New Beginnings. 

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