Wurzweiler鈥檚 Annual Trip to Northern State Prison: Learning Beyond the Classroom
On July 16, 2025, MSW candidates from the Wurzweiler Graduate School of Social Work visited Northern State Prison as part of an educational practicum experience. This annual trip aims to provide students with a hands-on, honest look at the daily lives of incarcerated individuals and the potential roles social workers can play in advocacy, rehabilitation, and reentry programs.
Leading up to the trip, students shared feelings of fear and anxiety, feelings largely shaped by media portrayals and movies that have influenced their perception of prisons. However, the incarcerated men were welcoming, open, and eager to share their stories, many showing gratitude for the opportunity to speak.
The visit allowed students to have conversations with the prisoners, many of whom had spent decades behind bars. Their stories revealed deep regret and a strong hope to contribute positively to their communities upon release.
This visit also brought attention to issues like underfunded mental health services and the stigma attached to mental health. Services are technically available, however inmates expressed distrust toward psychiatric professionals, citing negative experiences, lack of privacy, and stigma. Many prisoners stated that their rehabilitation came not from formal programs but from within themselves, highlighting a key area where social workers can make a difference.
Incarceration is not just a legal concern; it is a human one. As future social workers, we have an important role in prevention, advocacy, reentry support, and pushing for a justice system that genuinely rehabilitates. Wurzweiler students expressed hopes that future social workers would engage the youth, advocate for early intervention, and support families. Social work must include pre-incarceration advocacy and reentry planning. This visit was more than just an educational excursion; it was a call to action.
