Vision and MissionThe Transcending Through Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides resources and support for incarcerated individuals to obtain higher education. Through a powerful narrative of self-empowerment and giving back, the Foundation seeks to reverse the School-to-Prison Pipeline and establish the Prison-to-School Pipeline.
TTEF's three founders were all formerly incarcerated in Rhode Island and upon their release went on to earn college degrees. They now seek to provide currently incarcerated persons with financial, motivational and other support to do the same. TTEF provides two types of annual scholarships for men, women, and youth that are in prison. One type of scholarship is awarded to a current inmate pursuing his or her higher education. A second type of scholarship is awarded to an inmate transitioning out of incarceration who will be pursuing his or her higher education upon release. Our organization also partners with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) and Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) to offer college credit courses at the Maximum Security Facility in Rhode Island. These courses count as credit towards an associate’s degree. We hope to expand this program within the next few years. |
In addition, TTEF provides the following support services to scholarship winners:
- Assigning of a mentor who was a formerly incarcerated person and went on to obtain higher education.
- Academic counseling.
- Study skills and habits workshop.
- Financial aid and money management workshops.
Watch TTEF President and Founder Andres Idarraga's TED Talk below!