Bowie State University and Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services Collaborate on Conference

Hundreds Gather for 2025 Maryland Diversion, Reentry, and Justice-Involved Conference

(BOWIE, Md.) — Hundreds of prison education, second chance, and restorative justice proponents from across the state gathered at Bowie State University to participate in the 2025 Maryland Statewide Diversion, Reentry, and Justice-Involved Conference. Attendees learned about programs and initiatives available support formerly incarcerated individuals in reentering the workforce in their communities.

Currently, there are 17,000 individuals incarcerated in Maryland correctional facilities. Over 50% of them will be returning home and need training to be able to compete for jobs. 

“There’s another 39,000 returning citizens who are on parole, probation, or some form of community supervision,” said Carolyn Scruggs, secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. “These individuals need opportunities, so they’ll become productive citizens when they are back living in their old neighborhoods.” 

In addition to hearing Secretary Scruggs and other correctional officials speak, conference goers participated in break-out sessions on prison education, mentoring, health, wellness, restorative justice and other topics. Samuel McKenzie, a former incarcerated citizen, attended the conference to inform attendees about his journey. 

“I was locked up,” said McKenzie. “Things have totally changed for me since I was released and given the opportunity to work for Advance CDL Driving Academy. Advance CDL gave me a second chance and showed me I could take care of myself and my family. Now, I’m helping other returning citizens earn their CDL.” 

“These are our citizens, and we need to provide them with opportunities,” said Dr. Charles Adams, executive director of Bowie State’s prison education program. “We have to ensure that returning citizens have pathways that help them succeed, and that their participation in prison education and restorative justice programs make a positive difference in their lives.” 

Approximately 86,000 individuals are released from Maryland’s prisons and jails each year, with the state’s recidivism rate reported to be over 40% within three years of someone’s release. 

“We have to learn second chance isn’t just a short, catchy slogan that we can casually toss around,” said Dr. Adams. “Second chance is a way of life.” 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311