Higher Ground Higher Learning |
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Higher Ground was awarded a Mellon Foundation grant to support an innovative educational experiment to bring artistic education to individuals in rehabilitation programs and those incarcerated for drug-related offenses. This initiative became Higher Ground, Higher Learning.
Due to pandemic related delays, the program officially launched in the fall of 2021 with its first round of for-credit college classes, offered in partnership with students in the Harlan County Drug Court program. This program is a structured, court supervised rehabilitation initiative that supports adults with substance use disorder, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities as they transition out of active addiction and into society. These Specialty Courts focus on recovery rather than punishment, offering equitable pathways that divert participants from incarceration into meaningful treatment and support systems. This approach, known as a recovery-oriented system of care, thrives through collaborative efforts among the Kentucky Court of Justice, behavioral health systems, and local communities.
The students in this first cohort took an introduction to college course, created and performed an original play, and many went on to enroll at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College after completing the drug court program. Following this powerful beginning, Higher Ground, Higher Learning expanded into the Harlan County Detention Center, thanks to the support of the jailer, BJ Burkhart, and the on-site correctional officers. There, we offered the same educational experiences to the incarcerated students. We helped them in applying for federal student aid. some of them for the first time. Together, we created art, wrote and performed an original play, and supported participants in envisioning life beyond their sentences.
One of the most profound takeaways from our time inside the detention center was the joy our students expressed simply from being able to leave their cells to make art. They brought with them incredible stories, insight, and wisdom. We learned just as much from them as they did from us. It was a privilege to brighten their week, even a little, and to witness their creativity, resilience, and courage.
Since the program ended in 2023, we've stayed in contact with many of the students who participated. Several have reached out to share how Higher Ground and Higher Ground, Higher Learning changed their lives, inspiring them to reach higher and dream bigger. We've even had the honor of attending college graduations for five of our former students which is an experience that left us in awe and full of pride.
Institutions continue to reach out to us about the impact of this program and the transformative power it had. This project was not just for the students, but for everyone involved. We are deeply proud of every participant who showed up, made art, learned something new, and embraced the vulnerable, brave work of recovery. Their stories are powerful. Their futures are bright. And this program will always be one of our proudest chapters.
