Bunker Hill Community College/Tufts University Correctional Education Program Earns Accreditation Approval
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is proud to announce that the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) has formally approved the inclusion of the College’s Liberal Arts associate degree program at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Shirley (MCI‑Shirley) as an accredited instructional location.
The decision, issued in a January 5 letter from NECHE Commission Chair Michaele Whelan, follows a comprehensive review at the Commission’s November 20, 2025, meeting. The approval confirms that BHCC’s A.A. in Liberal Arts program—delivered in partnership with the Tufts University Prison Initiative of Tisch College—meets NECHE’s rigorous standards for academic quality at the new location.
A Collaborative Effort That Strengthens Opportunity
In its letter, NECHE commended BHCC for its “exceptional relationship” with Tufts University, noting the institutions’ strong collaboration in providing robust academic programs and complementary support services to students at MCI‑Shirley. The Commission also highlighted the vital role of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, whose support has been “key to the program’s success.”
The transition of the program from MCI‑Concord to MCI‑Shirley—completed with “no loss of instructional time or students”—was praised as “seamless.” NECHE further recognized the introduction of secure, non‑internet‑connected computers with access to JSTOR academic resources, significantly strengthening research capabilities for students.
Positive Educational Impact
Beyond logistics, the Commission noted the program’s meaningful educational and personal impact. The letter cited “positive program outcomes” that provide incarcerated students “an opportunity to rise above their past life experiences” and “serve as role models for others.”
These outcomes reinforce BHCC’s longstanding belief that education is a transformative force—one that expands opportunity, supports community wellbeing, and fosters personal growth.
Planning for Continued Excellence
NECHE’s action also affirmed BHCC’s upcoming Spring 2030 comprehensive evaluation and requested that the College continue to demonstrate strong engagement of full‑time faculty and sufficient staffing as it expands its prison education initiatives. The Commission encouraged BHCC to further strengthen its academic and administrative infrastructure in support of this growing work.
BHCC will also submit a brief report should it pursue designation of the program as a Pell‑Eligible Prison Education Program through the U.S. Department of Education.
A Milestone of Collaborative Progress
The College expressed appreciation for NECHE’s thorough review and support throughout the accreditation process.
“This milestone reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners—especially Tufts University and the Massachusetts Department of Corrections,” President Eddinger added. “Together, we are expanding the reach of high-quality public higher education in ways that strengthen lives and communities.”
BHCC will share NECHE’s findings with its community and continue to provide updates as program expansion progresses.