WHAT IS Hope to the Hopeless?
Over 95% of our prison population will be released. However, within 5-years of being released, almost 80% will return to prison. Knowing this, we must ask ourselves how we can help to transform the life trajectories of those in prison and improve their success upon release?
These questions are important, as the successful release of our prison population not only impacts the safety of our communities but also our economy. For instance, it costs Nebraska over $35,000 a year just to incarcerate one person, and there are more than 5,000 people currently incarcerated in our state. Besides economic and safety concerns however, there is also a biblical calling to help those in prison. For example, Hebrews 13:3 states “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison”, while Psalms 69:33 tells us “For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise those who are in prison”.
For these reasons, Steven Scott, a former prisoner reborn and called to bring Christ into our prisons, partnered with Crown College to create Hope to the Hopeless (H2H). This program offers an associate degree in Christian Ministry within the state prison in Tecumseh, with the goal of educating and equipping those incarcerated with the knowledge of Christ and the basic skills necessary to succeed within prison and society.
So, if you could help to change these statistics, to change these men and the life trajectories of those incarcerated, would you? If so, please help us in supporting Hope to the Hopeless and help to improve the safety and security of our state, expand the kingdom of God on earth and bring Christ’s hope to one of the most hopeless places in our country.
Goals of H2H
Enlighten
the students by offering them an opportunity to learn in a college environment
Empower
the students by introducing or reaffirming their relationship with Christ
Reduce
the recidivism rate and improve the prison environment
Increase
employability and provide opportunities for graduates to give back upon release
Steven’s Story
“My name is Steven Scott, and I am the founder of H2H. I am also one of that 95%, having served four years in prison myself. One of the major reasons why I am not one of the 80% who has returned to prison is largely two-fold. First and foremost, it is because I decided to pick up a bible while in prison. After reading it, I knew my life would never be the same again. Secondly, it is because I had access to a college education. I truly believe in the power of faith and education to change lives, and it is particularly empowering to those incarcerated.
In fact, research shows that Christian-based programs in prison result in vast improvements to the prison environment and that a college education offered behind bars will improve an individual’s ability to remain free and find employment upon release.”
Where H2H Needs Your Help
This degree program will have its first class in March of 2024, and each degree is projected to take approximately two years to complete. We plan to enroll a cohort of 10-15 students every 2 years.
All program costs are directly related to tuition for the students as well as the necessary learning materials required for each course (e.g. textbooks, notepads, writing materials, etc.). Our goal is to raise $200,000 before the first cohort graduates (2026), which will ensure the successful graduation of at least two different cohorts of students.
Our hope is that you will consider giving to this program in order to help us provide this degree. Although any contribution would be joyfully welcomed, contribution milestones include:
- $825 to sponsor one class for one student
- $8,250 to sponsor a student for 1-year
- $16,500 to sponsor a student throughout the entirety of their degree
Our Progress
Our goal is to raise $200,000 by March of 2026, which will ensure that we will have enough funding to offer this degree to another cohort of students.
$3,000/$200,000
Are you ready to change lives with us?
Donate Today
Important
Statistics to Consider
5,000+
Individuals incarcerated in Nebraska will return home.
80%
of those who return home will be re-arrested.
≈ 50%
lower recidivism rate from those who receive a college education while in prison.
$1
spent educating an individual in prison will save $5 in long-term incarceration costs.
Next Steps
Learn More
Explore the Campus
Start Your Application
Questions? Let’s Chat!
