UW’s Tommy Thompson: Turn Wisconsin Prison into College for Inmates

“My ultimate goal — but that’s in a year or two or three years — is to have one prison turn into an educational institution,” Thompson said. “And instead of having a swinging door coming in and going out and coming back, I want this to be an educational opportunity,” he said. “So, when you leave prison, you’re going to have a job, a meaningful job, and be able to go on and make your way.” Thompson said he’d like to start with a small class of 315 inmates, and eventually hold a graduation ceremony at Oak Hills Correctional Institution outside of Madison.