Frank Abagnale to speak about second chances

Frank Abagnale, who was portrayed in film by Leonardo DiCaprio in "Catch Me If You Can," will speak at a dinner to raise funds for Tulsa Community College’s Corrections Education Program at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 25 at Double Tree Warren Place, 61^st and Yale. The Second Chance Scholarship Dinner will raise money for scholarships for offenders who take TCC classes.

Abagnale is one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement and secure documents. His expertise began more than 40 years ago. According to his website, between the ages of 16 and 21, Abagnale successfully posed as an airline pilot, an attorney, a college professor and a pediatrician. He also cashed $2.5 million in fraudulent checks in every state and in 26 foreign countries. Eventually, he spent five years in the French, Swedish and U.S. prison systems.

But, he was given a second chance. He has now been associated with the FBI for more than 35 years, teaching and assisting federal law enforcement agencies to prevent and recognize fraud.

Abagnale made the most out of his second chance by living a crime-free life and using his skills to help others. TCC’s Second Chance Scholarship helps other offenders by giving them the skills they need to change their lives through higher education.

Since 2007, TCC’s program has awarded 248 certificates of achievement and/or associate degrees to offenders who are incarcerated. Both male and female offenders have earned certificates in areas such as Business User, Hotel Management and Event Management. They have earned Associate of Science degrees in Business, Enterprise Development and more. These success stories are why TCC is committed to ensuring offenders who want to take classes are not denied due to lack of funding.

The Second Chance Scholarship Dinner will raise private dollars to provide both base and gap funding for the coming year. Research shows that most people who are incarcerated are from low-income families unable to help pay for college expenses. And, incarcerated offenders are not eligible for state or federal financial aid.

Give someone a second chance by ordering your tickets today.  Call 918-595-8060 for more information.