By Marquette University - Dec 22nd, 2020 02:45 pm Dr. Robert Smith, Dr. Theresa Tobin [top row], Marisola Xhelili Ciaccio and Dr. Darren Wheelock. Photo courtesy of Marquette University.MILWAUKEE — A research team led by Dr. Robert Smith, Harry G. John Professor of History and the director of the Center for Urban Research, Teaching, and Outreach (CURTO) at Marquette University, has received an award of $745,000 from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support the Education Preparedness Program (EPP), an initiative through CURTO that will support those impacted by incarceration to succeed in higher education. Grants through the Higher Education in Prison program are intended to disrupt the cycle of inequality and intergenerational poverty and restore the humanity and dignity of currently and formerly incarcerated (CFI) students. Above all, they provide educational opportunities for CFI students thereby realizing the unique role of universities to address mass incarceration and the return of released citizens.