SC inmates earn college degrees through Columbia International prison program [Video]

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A group of South Carolina inmates now have a college degree. They graduated Friday from a prison initiative program in partnership with Columbia International University (CIU).

Family and friends filled the Kirkland Campus at the South Carolina Department of Corrections to celebrate graduates.

“Emotional, overwhelmed, excited, very grateful for what I’ve been given,” graduate Rusty said.

Eighteen graduates received their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Rusty is one of the oldest students the program has seen. After applying four times, he was accepted and couldn’t turn down the offer.

“This opportunity at my age, at 74 years old, being able to attend college and seek out an associate of arts degree was a blessing that I did not deserve, but I take it, I don’t take it for granted,” he said. “I appreciate it very much. I’m very grateful to the donors and the people who are in support of this ministry,” he said.

“They seize opportunity to …