Graduation rates on rise in program offering 2nd chance for Kansas inmates

BUTLER COUNTY, Kan. (KWCH) - A program offering Kansas inmates a second chance is working. The program helps the inmates earn high school diplomas and greatly improve prospects for life on the outside.

In effect at the Butler County Jail, graduation rates are on the rise. Among those finding success through the program is former Butler County inmate and high school diploma recipient Stacey Cole.

“It’s something I never thought I would ever have,” Cole said of the diploma he earned while incarcerated.

The opportunity on the inside has him eyeing a future on the outside.

“Anybody that knows me from before knows how bad I used to be. And when they see me doing what I’m doing now, that in itself helps and shows them, ‘If this guy can do it, I know I can do it,’” Cole said.

Inside the Butl