The Black Men Coalition Foundation (BMC), in collaboration with eCornell — the professional certificate division of Cornell University — has launched a transformative certificate program initiative at the Dane County Jail, creating new pathways for participants to gain high-value credentials, strengthen job readiness, and support them in rebuilding their lives.
“This program shows what happens when you give people access to opportunity instead of judgment,” said Corey Marionneaux, founder and CEO of BMC, in a press release. “When you believe in someone’s potential, you help them break the cycle and build a new future.”
The new announcement is another step in BMC’s ongoing effort to expand educational and economic opportunity for individuals impacted by incarceration. BMC first announced a new collaboration with eCornell in June 2024 to provide hundreds of learners annually from vulnerable, underrepresented, and justice-impacted backgrounds with access to online professional certificate programs developed by Cornell faculty. These programs offer in-demand skills across a range of fields.
While BMC’s broader eCornell initiative has already reached more than 160 learners, it has also extended meaningfully into the Dane County Jail. Over the past year, BMC staff worked closely with the eCornell team and the Dane County Sheriff’s Department to identify an appropriate certificate, secure an eCornell facilitator, and recruit residents to participate, according to a press release from the non-profit organization. BMC currently partners with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and Summit Credit Union to deliver financial literacy and re-entry support to residents.
“Today, four of our jail residents received a certificate from eCornell University through the Black Men Coalition’s programming and leadership — proof that second chances, education, and partnership can change lives,” said Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “Thank you for your collaboration and unwavering advocacy for everyone who deserves an opportunity to rebuild.”
