Ken Burns Presents: College Behind Bars: A Film by Lynn Novick and Produced by Sarah Botstein

Incarcerated men and women admitted to the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) discover when classes begin at Eastern and Taconic Correctional facilities that they must meet the same high standards as students at Bard College main campus. Jule, who earned a BA in 2011, reckons with the crime that led to his incarceration at 17 and after 21 ½ years behind bars, faces the parole board.

Sebastian, Dyjuan and Tamara reflect on the difficult circumstances of their past, while the debate team prepares to face the University of Vermont. Shawnta, Tamika and Tamara make great strides academically, only to discover that BPI keeps raising the bar. Brian and Rodney are accused of breaking rules and are sent to solitary confinement, their education in serious jeopardy. Jule returns home.

The debate team faces their rival across the river, West Point. Rodney, Sebastian and Giovannie embark on year-long senior projects. Newly released from federal prison, Dyjuan’s younger brother, Kanan, comes for a visit, as does Rodney’s sister, Elitha. Tamara receives devastating news from home, and Shawnta reckons with her own path to prison. In New York City, Jule struggles to find work.

The debate team faces Harvard. Rodney and Sebastian complete their 100-page senior projects and give final presentations, but Giovannie gets in trouble, is sent to SHU, and may not be able to complete his project before going home. At graduation at Taconic, Tamara, Tamika and Shawnta receive their AA degrees, while at Eastern, Rodney and Sebastian walk the stage to receive their Bachelor’s.