Press Release: C-GCC to Launch Instructional Program at Hudson Correctional Facility
Post-secondary Educational Opportunities Coming to Eligible Individuals
March 9, 2026
HUDSON, N.Y. (March 9, 2026) – Columbia-Greene Community College (C-GCC) has established a new Prison Education Program (PEP) site with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). C-GCC will now provide a high-quality post-secondary educational program to eligible individuals in Hudson Correctional Facility, allowing them to work towards an associate’s degree.
The program will provide eligible incarcerated individuals access to higher education opportunities, focusing mainly on in-person instruction, while utilizing hybrid and remote models where appropriate.
“At Columbia-Greene, we have a proven track record of working effectively with correctional facilities to offer high-quality educational opportunities for students who are incarcerated,” said Dr. Victoria L. Walsh, president, Columbia-Greene Community College. “Our program allows students to achieve their academic goals and receive support for re-entry. I am grateful to SUNY OHEP and DOCCS for their partnership in increasing access to education for students.”
“Education has the power to change lives,” said Daniel F. Martuscello III, commissioner, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). “By bringing college-level programming to Hudson Correctional Facility, we’re opening doors to opportunity, accountability, and personal growth. This benefits not only the individuals in the program, but the communities they will return to. DOCCS is proud of our partnership with C-GCC. Together, we will help those at Hudson build skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose, which are key factors for successful reentry and long-term public safety.”
“The launch of this new program at Hudson Correctional Facility reflects SUNY’s mission to provide high-quality higher education to all New Yorkers, and I applaud Columbia-Greene Community College on this effort,” said John B. King Jr., Chancellor, SUNY. “SUNY is committed to advancing educational programs in every state correctional facility and ensuring that incarcerated students have access to life-changing academic opportunities and strong reentry support. By strengthening continuity for justice-impacted students, we are not only expanding opportunity, but also investing in safer communities, workforce development, and a more equitable future for all New Yorkers.”
Beyond instruction, C-GCC will provide students with all the support they need throughout each step of their academic journeys, including the admissions process and financial aid counseling with FAFSA and TAP completion. Each student will have access to an academic advisor who will assist with academic planning, course selection, career pathways, and overall academic progress. Students will be able to
communicate with their advisor electronically as well as in-person, ensuring students feel supported and aren’t overwhelmed.
Students will receive career coaching to assist in their pursuit of sustainable employment post-release. Coaches will support students with resume and cover letter development, professional communication, digital etiquette, the job search process, and interviewing skills. Graduates can register for coursework at C-GCC’s main campus or work with counseling and transfer services to explore educational opportunities at other institutions of higher learning. SUNY OHEP is working with partners across the state to expand re-entry services for the incarcerated.
For more information about the Columbia-Greene Community College, please visit columbiagreene.edu.
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About Columbia-Greene Community College: A campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), Columbia-Greene Community College (“C-GCC”) is a comprehensive, two-year institution offering a variety of transfer and career programs leading to the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, and Associate in Occupational Studies degrees, as well as micro credentials, one-year certificate programs, and specialized courses geared toward community interest