At 39 years old, Benard McKinley has transformed his life in a remarkable way. Recently released from prison in December 2023, McKinley is now preparing to start his first year at the prestigious Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago. This achievement marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first graduate from Northwestern University’s Prison Education Program (NPEP) to be accepted into any law school, let alone one with a 4% acceptance rate.
McKinley’s journey to higher education began behind the bars of Stateville Correctional Center in northern Illinois, where he completed his bachelor’s degree last year. His academic pursuit was part of NPEP, a pioneering initiative offering college-level education to incarcerated individuals. McKinley was among the first cohort to receive a bachelor’s degree from a top 10 US university while in prison, according to rankings from US News & World Report.
His life took a dramatic turn when he was sentenced at 19 to nearly a century in prison for a gang-related murder. While incarcerated, McKinley dedicated himself to studying law, aiming to challenge his own sentence and assist fellow inmates with their legal issues. His efforts in education began with earning a GED and a paralegal diploma, followed by his acceptance into the competitive NPEP program.
The process of applying to law school was rigorous and conducted from within the prison walls. McKinley prepared for the LSAT, wrote essays, and gathered recommendations with the help of NPEP tutors. His dedication paid off when, after his early release into transitional housing, he was accepted into Northwestern’s law school.
McKinley’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also highlights the transformative power of educational programs within the prison system. Sheila Bedi, a clinical law professor at Northwestern, praised McKinley’s discipline and eagerness to learn, emphasizing the potential of many others like him who could contribute positively to society if given the chance.
Looking ahead, McKinley aspires to become a civil rights lawyer and start a legal aid clinic to support marginalized communities. His journey from a teen sentenced to prison to a law student at one of the country’s top institutions is a profound testament to the possibilities that education and determination can unlock.
