Re-Entry

Academic re-entry is a vital component of the broader re-entry ecosystem, and institutions like community colleges and regional comprehensive universities are uniquely positioned to serve post-traditional learners, including those returning from incarceration. TREC’s emerging re-entry and justice-impacted student support initiative is already demonstrating impact, with improved transfer and persistence outcomes. We're now focused on extending the same seamless transfer process we’ve established inside correctional facilities to students re-entering the community—building a true “continuity of care” that supports academic progress across campuses and systems.

TREC Center

In February 2024, Minneapolis College opened the TREC Center. The Center fosters a sense of belonging, encourages peer connection, provides access to essential resources, and offers space for studying, reentry workshops, one-on-one support, and even showcasing art created inside. It’s a place where justice-impacted students can build relationships and move forward with purpose.

With more than 70% of Minnesota’s incarcerated individuals returning to the seven-county metro area after incarceration, Minneapolis College and Metro State University are working to serve as flagship institutions for justice-impacted students returning from correctional facilities across the state.

In partnership with justice-impacted students, alumni, and local community organizations, we develop and deliver programming that addresses a wide range of needs—housing, employment support and networking, expungement and legal aid, trauma-responsive health and wellness, recovery groups, peer mentoring, and both digital and financial literacy.

INITIATIVES/RESOURCES 

• Humanities as Transformative Programming (Mellon Grant)
• Ascendium Grant
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Grant
• Unrestricted Movement—Tackling Transfer Grant
• Shavlik Grant
• Sunshine Lady Grant
• Mennonite Grant