Laura's Story: Former PGP Tutor Turned Workforce Development Coordinator
For Laura Kelly (Tufts ’24), the path to justice reform began at age 15, sparked by a documentary that shifted her worldview. When she arrived at Tufts University, she intentionally sought out the Petey Greene Program (PGP) to turn that interest into action. Over three years, she tutored in diverse settings, from DYS youth centers to MCI Framingham. This experience was deeply grounding; at the youth facility, she was struck by the fact that the children she tutored—who were searched after every session—were the same age as her younger brother.
Former PGP Tutor, Laura Kelly, poses with CEO JEff Abramowitz.
Laura’s time working with students inside carceral facilities was defined by a philosophy of "intellectual humility". She quickly learned that her role wasn't to be an untouchable authority figure, but a collaborator in the learning process. She recalls a pivotal moment at MCI Framingham while working with a student on a complex math problem: "I actually did the problem wrong... and the student timidly corrected me. Seeing her confidence build because she understood the material well enough to back up her answer was incredible. It reframed everything for me; it became a collaboration". This shift in perspective allowed Laura to meet her students on an equal playing field, recognizing that "the value in being wrong" could sometimes be the most effective teaching tool available.
Her students often left a lasting impression through their sheer dedication. Laura fondly remembers a student named Mary who would arrive with organized piles of work, ready to dive in. "It makes it apparent that you are devoting your time because you care," Laura reflects. "That level of care is something many people in these facilities don't feel elsewhere". For Laura, the simple act of "showing up" to discuss everything from algebra to March Madness served as a vital bridge to the outside world, humanizing a space that is often intentionally isolating.
Today, Laura’s career has come full circle. After graduation, she transitioned into a role as the Workforce Development Coordinator for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. In this capacity, she doesn't just advocate for second chances—she builds the infrastructure for them. Recognizing the profound impact PGP had on her own development and the lives of her students, she recently organized for PGP tutors to begin working with the education department at the Suffolk County House of Correction.
By bringing the program into her current facility, Laura ensures that incarcerated individuals have access to the same one-on-one HiSET support that she once provided. Her journey from volunteer to professional partner serves as a powerful reminder that education is not just a service provided to the incarcerated, but a transformative experience that prepares tutors to become the next generation of empathetic leaders in the criminal legal system.