Thursday marked graduation day for a number of formerly incarcerated St. Francis College students.

Johnny Perez, who lives in the Bronx, says he was arrested for stealing food from a convenience store and spent 15 years behind bars. He says his arrest came two days after his daughter was born. Now a teenager, she was present for his graduation and showed her support.

Started in 2014, the college's Post-Prison Program helps formerly incarcerated people get back on their feet by earning college degrees.

With his degree in criminal justice, Perez says he wants to change the prison system.

Felix Colon, another graduate, says he wants to keep kids out of prison.