Governor Whitmer and Michigan United Celebrate 2024 IGNITE Program Graduates

Transformative justice continues for the graduates of a successful inmate education and training program

On September 17th, Michigan United was proud to be among the crowd of supporters congratulating a new graduate class of the I.G.N.I.T.E. (Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education) program. IGNITE is a prison rehabilitation program with a mission to “reverse the cycle of generational incarceration through education.” The event took place at the Genesee County Jail, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer was on hand to deliver the commencement address. IGNITE was launched in September 2020 by Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.

The proud inmates were honored for completing educational programs such as Manufacturing 101 and Music Therapy, with two receiving their high school diplomas from Mt. Morris High School. Among the audience was Dr. Latressa Gordon of Michigan United, who has been a staunch advocate of the program. IGNITE dovetails with our goal of transformative justice, where we advocate for real change in the way we prepare people in the correctional system for life after prison. Dr. Gordon and her team took the opportunity to register eligible IGNITE members to vote.

The success of IGNITE helps fight the vicious cycle known as recidivism. Recidivism affects not only the individuals involved but also their families, communities, and society as a whole. The program has shown promising results by reducing recidivism rates and giving inmates the skills and education they need to successfully reintegrate into society. Since 2020, the program has enrolled over 2700 inmates and compiled over 235,000 teaching hours. They’ve helped 62 inmates get their GED’s, not including the newest class.

Education as a Lifeline

Education plays a central role in the IGNITE program, offering inmates a second chance to learn new skills and achieve milestones that may have previously seemed out of reach. Sheriff Swanson views it as a continuous process of personal development.

"IGNITE is endless. It’s a marathon that never ends," he said during the ceremony. His words reflect the philosophy that education is not a one-time achievement but a lifelong journey, especially for those who may not have had the opportunity to pursue their education before.

One of the graduates, who earned his high school diploma, shared his thoughts on the significance of this achievement. "This means a lot. It’s crazy because when I got it, like, when I was doing my, like, classes and stuff, I ain’t really care for it. I was just like, it’s something for me to do. But now that I got it, it’s like, I feel like you can do anything you put your mind to," he said.

Dr. Gordon was moved by such reflections. “This is why we support IGNITE,” she said. “Education is key to breaking the cycle. What these individuals achieve here is more than a diploma—it’s a fresh start and a new mindset.”

The Impact of Reducing Recidivism

One of the most significant issues facing the criminal justice system today is the high rate of recidivism. Many people released from jail or prison end up reoffending and returning to incarceration. However, programs like IGNITE are working to change this pattern by providing inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed once they are released.

A study conducted by Harvard University on the IGNITE program found that participation in the program reduces recidivism by 19% after just one month. After a full year in the program, that number rises to 23%. These statistics demonstrate the powerful impact that educational programs can have on breaking the cycle of incarceration.

The training provided through IGNITE, such as Manufacturing 101, offers practical skills that inmates can use to secure employment upon release. By equipping them with marketable skills, the program gives them a greater chance of finding steady work, which is one of the key factors in reducing recidivism. When individuals are able to find employment, they are less likely to turn back to criminal activities to support themselves, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Dr. Gordon highlighted the importance of programs like IGNITE in helping reduce recidivism. “Employment, education, and personal growth—all of these build a foundation for success outside of jail,” she said. “Our role at Michigan United is to support Sheriff Swanson’s efforts to help these individuals take the next step, whether that’s job training, or simply having support when they reenter society.”

Support from State Leaders

The IGNITE program has garnered attention and support from key leaders in Michigan, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who attended the graduation ceremony as the keynote speaker. Whitmer’s presence underscored the importance of rehabilitative programs like IGNITE in addressing the root causes of crime and creating pathways to reintegration for incarcerated individuals.

"It’s more than what you’ve just learned in your classes; it is what you’ve learned you are capable of," Whitmer said during her speech to the graduates. She encouraged them to take pride in their achievements and to carry the lessons they’ve learned forward as they navigate their future.

Her remarks reinforced the idea that education is about more than just gaining knowledge—it’s about recognizing one’s potential and using it to make positive changes. Whitmer’s support for programs like IGNITE aligns with broader efforts to reform the criminal justice system in Michigan and reduce recidivism rates across the state.

A New Path Forward

The IGNITE program is about more than just reducing recidivism or providing educational opportunities to inmates. It is about changing the way people think about themselves and their future. By focusing on growth, rehabilitation, and education, IGNITE is giving incarcerated individuals the tools they need to succeed once they are released.

Sheriff Swanson’s belief that "IGNITE is endless" speaks to the program’s long-term goals. Education doesn’t stop at graduation. For these individuals, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives—one that holds the promise of a better future.

As more inmates participate in programs like IGNITE, they will have the chance to change their lives for the better, proving that rehabilitation and education are essential components of a more just and effective criminal justice system. Through education, job training, and personal growth, IGNITE is not just breaking the cycle of recidivism—it’s building a path toward a brighter, more hopeful future for those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. With advocates like Dr. Latressa Gordon and organizations like Michigan United, that brighter future feels more achievable for all involved.