Those behind the walls of Folsom Prison are giving back. The Incarcerated Advisory Council (IAC) at Folsom State Prison (FSP) recently donated over $17,000 to the Foundation for California Community Colleges.
The representatives from FSP’s IAC presented the check to the foundation’s executive director, Barbara Webster-Hawkins, alongside FSP leadership and by California Correctional Health Care Services Director of Health Care Services, Dr. Joseph Bick. The funds were raised from a food sale fundraiser inside FSP and will provide education resources to the children of incarcerated people in the way of scholarships up to $1,000, according to information provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and FSP Correctional Lt. and Public Information Officer Chad Deal.
“The Educating for Change Scholarship Program was the brainchild of two such donors who have directed their charitable gifts to help interrupt the intergenerational effects of incarceration,” explained Barbara Webster-Hawkins, executive director of Resource Development at the Foundation for Community Colleges They are now being joined in that effort by Inmate Advisory Councils who donate proceeds from food sales to build the endowment that will fund these scholarships into the future. The Inmate Advisory Committee at Folsom State Prison was the first and remains the largest of these groups, and is inspiring others to give.”
About the Foundation
FoundationCCC leverages its flexible, structure to swiftly respond to the evolving needs of California, driven by innovation as a core value. The foundation partners with various stakeholders to deliver bold solutions that actively address inequities, reduce barriers to opportunity, strengthen communities, and accelerate paths to economic and social mobility for all Californians. FoundationCCC supports the creation and management of impactful programs through policy research, incubation, development, and oversight. The foundation’s experienced staff handles complex philanthropic, state, and federally funded projects, as well as self-sustaining programs, turning innovative ideas into implemented solutions.
By partnering closely with stakeholders, FoundationCCC facilitates work-based learning opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, and skill-building programs. These initiatives connect students and job seekers with real-world experience, driving economic growth and creating a more equitable future for Californians. FoundationCCC’s CollegeBuys team leverages the collective purchasing power of California Community Colleges to optimize resources for colleges and students. Through strategic supplier partnerships and leading sourcing methods, CollegeBuys delivers high-quality, sustainable products and services at minimal cost, enhancing procurement efficiency and value.
With its statewide reach and extensive network of community colleges, FoundationCCC effectively connects with diverse populations to distribute public resources and benefits.
Services include a multilingual call center, relief disbursement, payment processing, peer-to-peer outreach, and ambassador training. To facilitate positive change, FoundationCCC partners with donors, philanthropic foundations, and other stakeholders to secure funding, services, and support for students, colleges, and communities. This includes fiscal sponsorship, grant management, scholarships, emergency financial aid, and endowment management.
FoundationCCC offers branding, marketing, and communication services for projects benefiting California Community Colleges and their communities. The in-house Communications team supports statewide outreach campaigns that raise awareness of available resources and programs. FoundationCCC provides innovative technology solutions, including website design, mobile apps, and web applications, to support the missions of California Community Colleges and statewide partners. With a user-centered approach, the foundation ensures that individuals are connected with essential information, tools, and resources.
Students who qualify for scholarships must be high school seniors who plan to attend a California community college or are currently enrolled in a California community college and must have a parent in a prison administered by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at the time of application. For more information about FoundationCCC and its initiatives, visit their website.
Photo provided by CDCR, Ike Dodson. Special thanks to Lt. Chad Deal for assisting with this posting.
