The goal of the CVS Health Second Chance Program is to serve individuals who are justice-involved by affording them an opportunity to engage in workforce development, health education and educational partnerships. Our hope is that individuals who receive CVS Health Scholarships, will be able to pursue their Post-Secondary Educational aspirations and change the trajectory of their lives personally and professionally. Ultimately, this will positively impact the respective communities where they reside. The CVS Health Workforce Initiatives Team in Tennessee is honored to provide scholarship funds to the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) as an initial step to ensuring justice-involved individuals can pursue their educational dreams and achieve success.-CVS Health Workforce Initiatives
The scholarship will provide support to full or part-time students pursuing a degree or technical certificate at any accredited higher education institution. Funds can be used to assist with tuition and fees, textbooks, school supplies, or prior balances. Dr. Laura Ferguson Mimms, THEI Executive Director shares, “providing a circle of support for our brothers and sisters post incarceration is at the nexus of not only solving the recidivism crisis, but ensuring justice involved individuals have the opportunity to live full and fruitful lives as defined by their personal goals and dreams. That circle of support cannot be achieved without partnerships. We are grateful to CVS for their commitment to returning citizens and to supporting post-secondary education.”
Jared Campbell, THEI alumni and current student, explains the importance of this opportunity and shares “Finishing my education is of paramount importance. I started my Higher Education journey in 2016 while I was incarcerated. I received my A.S in Business Administration in 2019. I am now working towards a B.S in Computer Science: Software Systems at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. I am grateful to CVS+THEI for awarding me this scholarship. I know that CVS is looking to hire Software Engineers for backend development. I look forward to applying to the position when I finish my education next semester.”
“We are grateful for the support of CVS Healthcare and the ability of our alumni to continue their pursuit of a post-secondary credential. We know that one of the most important benefits of post-secondary education is economic security. It is important to note that although justice-impacted individuals will still face barriers to employment after receiving a degree, completing a degree has been shown to increase the chances of a person obtaining employment and higher pay. With the support of CVS Healthcare, our alumni are on the road to finding autonomy and success.” Shon Holman-Wheatley, THEI Director of Transitional Program.
About THEI
THEI is a non-profit organization working to disrupt systems of harm and create opportunities for autonomy and success by providing college access to people inside Tennessee prisons, preparing students for skillful re-entry, and reducing barriers to continued education and achievement.
