CREST HILL – State Senator Rachel Ventura recently conducted interviews at Stateville Correctional Center to renew and expand her internship program in partnership with DePaul University.
“I’m proud to continue and expand this internship that highlights the research of bright and promising people who have a lot to bring to the table but are often ignored,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “With this internship, we will be providing individuals with an opportunity to give back to their communities, challenge and present their own ideas and opinions, and provide a perspective that they uniquely can share.”
Joseph Dole, Raúl Dorado and Eric Watkins will join Ventura’s team as interns, helping her research and advance legislative ideas.
Watkins studied at North Park Theological Seminary and received a master of arts in restorative justice ministry. He hopes to utilize his education while working for the Senator. He is currently working for various higher education programs, one being the Prison + Neighborhood Arts Project.
Dole has written several articles of legislation and received a bachelor’s degree in critical carceral legal studies from Northeastern Illinois University and the University without Walls. He commits much of his time to writing and has various published pieces.
Dorado received his bachelor’s degree in justice policy advocacy from Northeastern Illinois University and has committed much of his time at Stateville to other work experience. He has had internships with the National Public Housing Museum, is a co-founder, communications director and on the board of directors for Parole Illinois and has also authored several published writings.
"I express my gratitude to DePaul University for collaborating with me on this initiative at assisting incarcerated individuals in completing their education and acquiring job skills to facilitate their reintegration into society," said Ventura. “Opportunities like this matter – we need to hear the perspectives and ideas of all Illinoisans.”
DePaul will be awarding college credits to the men participating in the internship in hopes that it may facilitate further education for those involved in the program.
