In an extraordinary event at the Centennial Correctional Facility, 16 inmates celebrated a significant milestone – their graduation from the Breakthrough program. A pioneering initiative founded in 2017, Breakthrough is a nonprofit curriculum tailored to equip incarcerated individuals with crucial reintegration skills. The recent ceremony marked a remarkable achievement, symbolizing hope, resilience, and a commitment to transformation within the prison community.

Originating at Centennial Correctional Facility, Breakthrough has since expanded to four other correctional facilities across Colorado, including the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility, Colorado State Penitentiary, and La Vista Correctional Facility. The program’s curriculum, known as “The Challenge,” spans 32 weeks and focuses on character development, job readiness, reentry, and entrepreneurship skills.

Participants in “The Challenge” are individuals convicted of felonies, with sentences ranging from a few years to life imprisonment. To enroll in the program, candidates undergo a rigorous application process designed to assess their dedication and commitment.

Facilitated by volunteers and mentors, the program fosters empathy and connection through various exercises, such as “step to the line,” where participants and volunteers share common experiences, fostering understanding and camaraderie.

Graduates like Francine, who have experienced transformative growth through the program, now serve as peer facilitators, offering support and guidance to new participants. For Francine, Breakthrough has been instrumental in reshaping her perspective on life and providing her with the tools to make positive changes, despite her years of incarceration.

A pivotal aspect of the program is its focus on practical skill-building and entrepreneurship. Graduates showcase their business ideas, ranging from laundry delivery services to supportive reentry programs, during the culminating event. Volunteers vote on the most viable idea, providing financial support to the winning team and affirming the inmates’ entrepreneurial spirit and potential.

For many participants, graduation day is a poignant moment of reunion with family and loved ones, offering a glimpse of hope and connection amid the challenges of incarceration. The ceremony represents not only personal achievements but also the collective resilience and determination of the prison community.

David, a program graduate serving a life sentence, reflects on the transformative impact of Breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of equipping incarcerated individuals with essential life skills and opportunities for growth. Despite the uncertainties of his future, David remains committed to personal growth and contributing positively to his community within the prison walls.

Breakthrough’s success stories extend beyond graduation day, with many graduates like David continuing to pursue their passions and serve as mentors for future cohorts. Volunteers, inspired by the program’s impact, continue to support and advocate for criminal justice reform, recognizing the need for holistic support and reintegration services for incarcerated individuals.

As Breakthrough continues to empower incarcerated individuals and challenge societal stigmas, its impact resonates far beyond prison walls. Through education, mentorship, and community support, the program offers a beacon of hope for those seeking redemption, transformation, and a second chance at life beyond incarceration.