The Black men Coalition Foundation has expanded access to eCornell’s professional certificate programs for community members across Dane County, including those incarcerated in the Dane County Jail.
Community partners including Ascendium Education Group and local philanthropist Diane Ballweg have made the expansion possible.
Ascendium recently donated $700,000 to support the online learning program for three more years.
The BMC will expand the eCornell program, a professional certificate program aiming to provide an opportunity for upward mobility, into the Dane County Jail system by offering access to industry-relevant education.
“This collaboration represents a critical step in breaking down the systemic barriers that prevent so many from accessing high-quality education and meaningful employment. By bringing eCornell into the jail, we are equipping justice-involved individuals with real skills and recognized credentials that support reentry and long-term stability,” Corey Marionneaux, BMC’s founder and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
The eCornell collaboration launched in 2024 to provide Dane County residents with access to education and the opportunity to gain an online certificate in AI, business, finance and more.
To raise money to support its other initiatives, the BMC will hold its third annual Revitalize Gala on Dec. 19.
