Unlocking Second Chances: How eCornell and the Black Men Coalition Are Changing Lives After Incarceration
For many Americans leaving prison, freedom comes with invisible chains: limited access to education, scarce job prospects, and the same unstable environments that led them into incarceration in the first place. The stark result? Nearly 70% of formerly incarcerated individuals in the U.S. reoffend and return to prison.
Corey Marionneaux knows that cycle all too well. A former inmate turned advocate, Marionneaux founded the Black Men Coalition (BMC) in 2020 to break it. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, BMC is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing recidivism and creating real opportunities for change—through mentorship, youth programs, and, most critically, employment support.
Now, thanks to a powerful new partnership with eCornell, BMC is adding world-class education to its arsenal.
Education Meets Opportunity
Through this collaboration, BMC members—many of whom are formerly incarcerated or come from underserved communities—gain access to eCornell’s professional certificate programs. Authored by Cornell University faculty, these online programs offer practical, career-ready training in fields like accounting, cybersecurity, and business analytics.
For many, the impact is transformational.
“There was an individual who came to our office every day to take his eCornell courses,” Marionneaux recalls. “He didn’t have a laptop or internet access, but he stuck with it. He earned a certificate in Restaurant Management. Today, he’s a District Manager overseeing three Arby’s locations. That’s the kind of life change we’re talking about.”
And he’s not alone. Dozens of BMC participants have used their new credentials to secure better-paying, higher-level positions—some in entirely new industries.
More Than a Certificate
The partnership transcends mere job training. It’s about restoring dignity and opening doors that were once slammed shut.
“For people who come home and want to live differently, it’s not just about desire—it’s about access,” Marionneaux explains. “I didn’t have this kind of opportunity; now, I want to make sure others do.”
The eCornell collaboration has elevated BMC’s profile throughout Madison and beyond. “We’re getting attention from employers who never gave us the time of day,” says Marionneaux. “They’re interested now because their own employees can benefit from eCornell programs, too.”
BMC supports its members with more than education by providing temporary housing, free transportation to job sites, mentorship, and financial literacy education.
Building a Future, Brick by Brick
Marionneaux and his team are currently planning a $30 million housing initiative designed to provide safe, affordable housing for those rebuilding their lives. The proposed development will be more than just a place to live—it will be a hub of opportunity.
“We’re designing a mixed-use community with access to programs, support services, and, yes, eCornell certificates,” he says. “It’s not just housing—it’s hope. And I truly believe it will be a game-changer; not just for Madison, but for the whole country.”
From the Classroom to the Community
As BMC continues to grow, its partnership with eCornell offers a compelling model for social impact—one that not only recognizes the challenges of reentry but also works to eliminate them by equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive, not just survive.
Marionneaux puts it simply: “This partnership is about giving people a real shot—because everyone deserves the chance to write a new story.”