Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is recognizing the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre for a unique collaboration that takes place behind prison walls.
The high-security remand centre has received KPU’s 2025 Community Impact Award for a partnership that brings prisoners and students together for a transformative learning experience.
Presented annually, KPU’s Community Impact Award recognizes individuals and organizations who are strong partners of KPU and making a difference in regional communities of relevance.
“We’re thrilled to be recognized with the KPU Community Impact Award,” says Anita Varan, Assistant Deputy Warden, Surrey Pretrial Services Centre. “We have a longstanding collaboration with KPU to give greater awareness to the power of education in transforming lives and reducing recidivism in our community.”
Since 2011, KPU has offered the Inside-Out Prison Exchange program, which is an innovative educational experience that brings together equal numbers of campus-based “outside” students from KPU with incarcerated “inside” students. Currently held at the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, this semester-long course is designed to facilitate dialogue across difference.
“Our collaboration with the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre is a strong example of how community partnerships can transform lives and create a lasting and positive impact,” says Randall Heidt, Vice-President of External Affairs at KPU.
Dr. Shelley Boyd, Dean of KPU’s Faculty of Arts, nominated Surrey Pretrial for the award.
“At the heart of this program is education, which has the ability to shape each of us and our communities for the better — to give all students the skills, knowledge and confidence to contribute in meaningful ways,” she says. “The dedication and enthusiasm of our partners at Surrey Pretrial has made this collaboration the success that it is, and we’re proud to honour them with this award.”
One of the first Canadian universities to offer this program, KPU has been a leader in bringing the transformative educational experience to Canada.
The 2025 Community Impact Award, along with a painting created by KPU alum Alison Curtis, was presented at KPU Community Day on May 24 at the university’s Richmond campus.