Your browser is outdated. This site works best on modern browsers such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
The university's research team interviewed HEP alumni, faculty, and administrators across the country to better understand some of the challenges and promising practices in the field. They delved into how campus-based teaching and learning supports are (and aren’t) collaborating with their HEPS, and what students in prison still need to receive an equitable education. In the report, you’ll find: a landscape scan of teaching and learning challenges in HEPs, promising practices from the field, concrete recommendations to address inequities, and a national resource list now available through RCHEP.
The university's research team interviewed HEP alumni, faculty, and administrators across the country to better understand some of the challenges and promising practices in the field. They delved into how campus-based teaching and learning supports are (and aren’t) collaborating with their HEPS, and what students in prison still need to receive an equitable education. In the report, you’ll find: a landscape scan of teaching and learning challenges in HEPs, promising practices from the field, concrete recommendations to address inequities, and a national resource list now available through RCHEP.
Although Pell Restoration enables an increasing number of colleges and universities to provide higher-education-in-prison (HEP) programs, this funding guarantees nothing about the quality and rigor of programming. In fact, relatively little is known about the nature, scope, and quality of HEP programs within the United States, and it is both timely and important to deeply examine these topics. The present study is a critical qualitative case study of three college-in-prison programs in the southern United States.
Although Pell Restoration enables an increasing number of colleges and universities to provide higher-education-in-prison (HEP) programs, this funding guarantees nothing about the quality and rigor of programming. In fact, relatively little is known about the nature, scope, and quality of HEP programs within the United States, and it is both timely and important to deeply examine these topics. The present study is a critical qualitative case study of three college-in-prison programs in the southern United States.
In a classroom with no windows, inside a California prison where the future is often measured by parole dates and time served, a different kind of transformation is taking place. Each week, a group of incarcerated men gather, not to count days, but to ask questions: What is our mission? What are our strengths? What must we leave behind? Their curriculum isn’t designed around punishment or compliance. It’s built on the ideas of Peter Drucker, the father of modern management. At the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, Drucker’s philosophy has found new relevance in the rehabilitation of people who are redefining what it means to lead.
In a classroom with no windows, inside a California prison where the future is often measured by parole dates and time served, a different kind of transformation is taking place. Each week, a group of incarcerated men gather, not to count days, but to ask questions: What is our mission? What are our strengths? What must we leave behind? Their curriculum isn’t designed around punishment or compliance. It’s built on the ideas of Peter Drucker, the father of modern management. At the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, Drucker’s philosophy has found new relevance in the rehabilitation of people who are redefining what it means to lead.
As a cornerstone of our Unlocking Economic Mobility for Adult Learners Initiative, College Futures Foundation is excited to launch a competitive grant opportunity in partnership with Jobs for the Future (JFF), aimed at building momentum, elevating innovation, and driving greater outcomes for adult learners across California. Letter of Interest deadline October 24, 2025.
As a cornerstone of our Unlocking Economic Mobility for Adult Learners Initiative, College Futures Foundation is excited to launch a competitive grant opportunity in partnership with Jobs for the Future (JFF), aimed at building momentum, elevating innovation, and driving greater outcomes for adult learners across California. Letter of Interest deadline October 24, 2025.
There’s a common misconception that education in prison is free. I’ve heard this from staff at my prison. Some staff have paid for higher education for themselves or their children, or have been priced out of doing so, and they resent the idea that I and my peers are possibly getting free rides. But that sentiment overlooks several key points.
There’s a common misconception that education in prison is free. I’ve heard this from staff at my prison. Some staff have paid for higher education for themselves or their children, or have been priced out of doing so, and they resent the idea that I and my peers are possibly getting free rides. But that sentiment overlooks several key points.
For millions of low-income and first-generation college students, the Pell Grant is more than financial aid; it is a lifeline.
For millions of low-income and first-generation college students, the Pell Grant is more than financial aid; it is a lifeline.
The John Lewis Young Leaders program and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization are hosting a writing context exclusively for individuals incarcerated in California. Writers can submit up to two poems or 700 words of prose by December 31, 2025.
The John Lewis Young Leaders program and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization are hosting a writing context exclusively for individuals incarcerated in California. Writers can submit up to two poems or 700 words of prose by December 31, 2025.
In 2020, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act restored access to Pell Grants for students who are incarcerated, reversing a nearly 30-year ban on their eligibility for federal aid. This brief walks through the multi-year, multi-phase process to demystify the federal regulations and highlight its significance in improving higher education in prison data infrastructure—a critical need for the field.
In 2020, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act restored access to Pell Grants for students who are incarcerated, reversing a nearly 30-year ban on their eligibility for federal aid. This brief walks through the multi-year, multi-phase process to demystify the federal regulations and highlight its significance in improving higher education in prison data infrastructure—a critical need for the field.
As the Emerson Prison Initiative (EPI) enters its ninth academic year, the program is looking for new ways to showcase the voices, stories, and perspectives of incarcerated students. One way it plans to do this is by editing and publishing an anthology of writing. For this project, EPI is seeking original work from current EPI students, EPI alumni, and writing by students outside of our program. The only requirement of authors interested in submitting their work is that they have been involved or enrolled in educational programming in a carceral setting. Submitted work should in some way address the topic: What does it mean to be educated? Deadline is November 30th.
As the Emerson Prison Initiative (EPI) enters its ninth academic year, the program is looking for new ways to showcase the voices, stories, and perspectives of incarcerated students. One way it plans to do this is by editing and publishing an anthology of writing. For this project, EPI is seeking original work from current EPI students, EPI alumni, and writing by students outside of our program. The only requirement of authors interested in submitting their work is that they have been involved or enrolled in educational programming in a carceral setting. Submitted work should in some way address the topic: What does it mean to be educated? Deadline is November 30th.
The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is excited to announce that registration for the second Incarcerated Scholars Conference is now open! This free, virtual conference will take place October 21-22, 2025.
The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is excited to announce that registration for the second Incarcerated Scholars Conference is now open! This free, virtual conference will take place October 21-22, 2025.
Since Pell Grants have become available to people pursuing degrees from prison, every state and the Federal Bureau of Prisons has tried to expand access to higher education. What they haven’t all done, however, is create a learning environment that supports college-level study. Some states still ban inmates from almost all technology, leaving students to get by with textbooks and paper assignments. Others don’t give students computers, forcing them to write term papers on tablets that lack external keyboards. When students have the right technology, internet access becomes the barrier, as safety risks surrounding how people might abuse it outweigh educational opportunity.
Since Pell Grants have become available to people pursuing degrees from prison, every state and the Federal Bureau of Prisons has tried to expand access to higher education. What they haven’t all done, however, is create a learning environment that supports college-level study. Some states still ban inmates from almost all technology, leaving students to get by with textbooks and paper assignments. Others don’t give students computers, forcing them to write term papers on tablets that lack external keyboards. When students have the right technology, internet access becomes the barrier, as safety risks surrounding how people might abuse it outweigh educational opportunity.
How EdTrust facilitated the passage of SB 2405, which establishes postsecondary education in Texas prisons, by forming a bipartisan coalition and engaging in sustained, strategic advocacy for oversight, access, and quality standards for incarcerated students.
How EdTrust facilitated the passage of SB 2405, which establishes postsecondary education in Texas prisons, by forming a bipartisan coalition and engaging in sustained, strategic advocacy for oversight, access, and quality standards for incarcerated students.
Reentry organizations play a critical role in supporting formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition back into their communities. To deliver consistent and effective services, these organizations must have clear, reliable systems in place. One key strategy for achieving this is the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which are written instructions that guide staff and organizational practices to ensure tasks are completed accurately and consistently. This brief explains the value of SOPs in reentry settings, distinguishing between two primary types: staff SOPs, which outline role-specific responsibilities, and operational SOPs, which provide guidance on core organizational functions such as program delivery or financial management.
Reentry organizations play a critical role in supporting formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition back into their communities. To deliver consistent and effective services, these organizations must have clear, reliable systems in place. One key strategy for achieving this is the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which are written instructions that guide staff and organizational practices to ensure tasks are completed accurately and consistently. This brief explains the value of SOPs in reentry settings, distinguishing between two primary types: staff SOPs, which outline role-specific responsibilities, and operational SOPs, which provide guidance on core organizational functions such as program delivery or financial management.
This research brief highlights the practical and strategic benefits of developing a data dictionary, from supporting day-to-day operations to advancing long-term evaluation goals. It outlines a step-by-step process for creating one, beginning with an inventory of existing data and ending with the testing of a working draft. The brief also offers sample fields to guide formatting and design choices, along with tips for keeping the dictionary accurate and up to date. Ultimately, this resource is designed to help agencies strengthen their data infrastructure and enhance their capacity to track progress, assess outcomes, and demonstrate impact.
This research brief highlights the practical and strategic benefits of developing a data dictionary, from supporting day-to-day operations to advancing long-term evaluation goals. It outlines a step-by-step process for creating one, beginning with an inventory of existing data and ending with the testing of a working draft. The brief also offers sample fields to guide formatting and design choices, along with tips for keeping the dictionary accurate and up to date. Ultimately, this resource is designed to help agencies strengthen their data infrastructure and enhance their capacity to track progress, assess outcomes, and demonstrate impact.
Research shows getting educated in prison helps prevent people from going back. In Illinois, new state data shows higher education opportunities inside are sparse.
Research shows getting educated in prison helps prevent people from going back. In Illinois, new state data shows higher education opportunities inside are sparse.
The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is now accepting presentation proposal submissions and financial aid applications for the 15th National Conference on Higher Education in Prison, which will take place on April 9-10, 2026, in Cleveland, OH.
The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is now accepting presentation proposal submissions and financial aid applications for the 15th National Conference on Higher Education in Prison, which will take place on April 9-10, 2026, in Cleveland, OH.
Incarcerated at Eastern NY Correctional Facility, Robert — in addition to his work as an essayist — is a full-time Bard College student enrolled through Bard Prison Initiative. Featured in the Times’ "Finding Beauty" series, Robert writes about the loss experienced when trees — young and old, small and large — are felled in a prison yard. The work reminds us of the meaning each of us can make, and the harm any of us can do, as we choose to honor or ignore what is precious around us.
Incarcerated at Eastern NY Correctional Facility, Robert — in addition to his work as an essayist — is a full-time Bard College student enrolled through Bard Prison Initiative. Featured in the Times’ "Finding Beauty" series, Robert writes about the loss experienced when trees — young and old, small and large — are felled in a prison yard. The work reminds us of the meaning each of us can make, and the harm any of us can do, as we choose to honor or ignore what is precious around us.
People who are incarcerated are paid notoriously low wages for kitchen, laundry work and maintenance. But the expanded use of laptops is creating other opportunities. Preston Thorpe is only 32, but he says he's already landed his dream job as a senior software engineer and bought a modest house with his six-figure salary. It was all accomplished by putting in long days from his cell at the Mountain View Correctional Center in Charleston.
People who are incarcerated are paid notoriously low wages for kitchen, laundry work and maintenance. But the expanded use of laptops is creating other opportunities. Preston Thorpe is only 32, but he says he's already landed his dream job as a senior software engineer and bought a modest house with his six-figure salary. It was all accomplished by putting in long days from his cell at the Mountain View Correctional Center in Charleston.
For nearly 20 years, incarcerated individuals in Maine have been taking college classes for credit. Hundreds have graduated with associate, baccalaureate and even advanced degrees. It all started with an endowment from philanthropist Doris Buffet and her Sunshine Lady Foundation. Additional grants paved the way for the supervised use of laptops. And Maine is now the first state to offer remote work from prison. Forty-five prisoners have been hired by outside companies to do remote jobs from their cells. A few are earning more than corrections officers.
For nearly 20 years, incarcerated individuals in Maine have been taking college classes for credit. Hundreds have graduated with associate, baccalaureate and even advanced degrees. It all started with an endowment from philanthropist Doris Buffet and her Sunshine Lady Foundation. Additional grants paved the way for the supervised use of laptops. And Maine is now the first state to offer remote work from prison. Forty-five prisoners have been hired by outside companies to do remote jobs from their cells. A few are earning more than corrections officers.
This report, part of a multi-year research initiative, explores the current landscape of data use in the higher education in prison field and identifies barriers to building a more comprehensive and sustainable data infrastructure. Better data is essential to realizing the promise of higher education in prison.
This report, part of a multi-year research initiative, explores the current landscape of data use in the higher education in prison field and identifies barriers to building a more comprehensive and sustainable data infrastructure. Better data is essential to realizing the promise of higher education in prison.
A recap of the information shared at the August 20th Town Hall event (including the conference location!!).
A recap of the information shared at the August 20th Town Hall event (including the conference location!!).
New to Higher Education in Prison or eager to learn more? SUNY has created a Resource Guide with some helpful resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, this guide can orient you to key issues in the field and support your continued learning!
New to Higher Education in Prison or eager to learn more? SUNY has created a Resource Guide with some helpful resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, this guide can orient you to key issues in the field and support your continued learning!
Led by Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, this initiative aims to enhance reentry support for currently and formerly incarcerated people pursuing higher education. With recent federal changes restoring Pell grants for incarcerated students, institutions now face the challenge of providing effective reentry services without additional funding. Hudson Link seeks to bridge this gap by selecting five programs nationwide to receive tailored technical assistance, capacity-building consulting, and direct financial support. The ultimate goal is to empower these programs to deliver comprehensive reentry services, thereby facilitating successful transitions and increasing post-release student success. Proposals Due: September 1, 2025
Led by Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, this initiative aims to enhance reentry support for currently and formerly incarcerated people pursuing higher education. With recent federal changes restoring Pell grants for incarcerated students, institutions now face the challenge of providing effective reentry services without additional funding. Hudson Link seeks to bridge this gap by selecting five programs nationwide to receive tailored technical assistance, capacity-building consulting, and direct financial support. The ultimate goal is to empower these programs to deliver comprehensive reentry services, thereby facilitating successful transitions and increasing post-release student success. Proposals Due: September 1, 2025
Rockwood is proud to announce the second cohort of the Fellowship for Leaders in Higher Education in Prison, in partnership with Ascendium. Created to deepen the pipeline of formerly incarcerated leaders in the sector by centering the justice-impacted leaders advancing change, this Fellowship will bring together 25 leaders nationwide engaged in Higher Education in Prison initiatives. The Fellowship will increase leadership capacity, strengthen relationships within and across the sector, and create fertile grounds for leaders to engage in powerfully collaborative and interconnected ways.
Rockwood is proud to announce the second cohort of the Fellowship for Leaders in Higher Education in Prison, in partnership with Ascendium. Created to deepen the pipeline of formerly incarcerated leaders in the sector by centering the justice-impacted leaders advancing change, this Fellowship will bring together 25 leaders nationwide engaged in Higher Education in Prison initiatives. The Fellowship will increase leadership capacity, strengthen relationships within and across the sector, and create fertile grounds for leaders to engage in powerfully collaborative and interconnected ways.
Jobs for the Future’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement has launched the Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) initiative to dismantle education and employment barriers and create broader pathways to economic advancement for people with histories of incarceration by improving alignment of systems and funding mechanisms at the state level. With this request for proposals, made possible by the support of Ascendium Education Group, JFF is inviting states to apply to be part of the inaugural cohort of FC2A State Action Networks. Letter of Intent Due: August 26, 2025 Proposal Deadline: October 14, 2025
Jobs for the Future’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement has launched the Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) initiative to dismantle education and employment barriers and create broader pathways to economic advancement for people with histories of incarceration by improving alignment of systems and funding mechanisms at the state level. With this request for proposals, made possible by the support of Ascendium Education Group, JFF is inviting states to apply to be part of the inaugural cohort of FC2A State Action Networks. Letter of Intent Due: August 26, 2025 Proposal Deadline: October 14, 2025
With generous support from Ascendium Education Group, THEI has created Navigating Forward, a collection of clear, digestible, and comprehensive college navigation materials designed specifically for incarcerated learners, with special consideration for the unique challenges and needs of Prison Education Program (PEP) students. Each collection is made up of individual resources that are able to standalone or be shared as a group. The three collections are also accompanied by a Glossary of Terms to help make the resources accessible for as many students as possible, regardless of their starting point.
With generous support from Ascendium Education Group, THEI has created Navigating Forward, a collection of clear, digestible, and comprehensive college navigation materials designed specifically for incarcerated learners, with special consideration for the unique challenges and needs of Prison Education Program (PEP) students. Each collection is made up of individual resources that are able to standalone or be shared as a group. The three collections are also accompanied by a Glossary of Terms to help make the resources accessible for as many students as possible, regardless of their starting point.
Thorpe is part of an experimental program in the Maine state prison system that allows incarcerated people to work remote jobs from custody. Though unconventional, these opportunities have proven immensely rehabilitative.
Thorpe is part of an experimental program in the Maine state prison system that allows incarcerated people to work remote jobs from custody. Though unconventional, these opportunities have proven immensely rehabilitative.
Some important announcements about the 2026 national conference!
Some important announcements about the 2026 national conference!
In a maximum-security facility in upstate New York, students tackled Samuel Richardson’s “Clarissa” and Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” finding a sense of purpose that transcended ordinary coursework.
In a maximum-security facility in upstate New York, students tackled Samuel Richardson’s “Clarissa” and Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” finding a sense of purpose that transcended ordinary coursework.
This analysis explores how higher education in prison policies impact educational access for incarcerated populations in five different national contexts: Australia, Nigeria, South Africa, the UK, and the USA.
This analysis explores how higher education in prison policies impact educational access for incarcerated populations in five different national contexts: Australia, Nigeria, South Africa, the UK, and the USA.
The Journal of Prison Education Research is a peer-reviewed academic journal that focuses on the field of prison education research. The journal is dedicated to providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to share their knowledge and research. It is is published regularly and is only available online.
The Journal of Prison Education Research is a peer-reviewed academic journal that focuses on the field of prison education research. The journal is dedicated to providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to share their knowledge and research. It is is published regularly and is only available online.
The third volume of the Journal of Higher Education in Prison (JHEP) will reflect upon advancements and persistent challenges for postsecondary education in prison and for college students directly impacted by criminal legal systems. Much has shifted in the landscape of higher education in prison since the launch of this journal in 2019. Authors are invited to contribute manuscripts that help define, contest, and contemplate this current moment of postsecondary education in prison and re-entry for/with directly impacted communities.
The third volume of the Journal of Higher Education in Prison (JHEP) will reflect upon advancements and persistent challenges for postsecondary education in prison and for college students directly impacted by criminal legal systems. Much has shifted in the landscape of higher education in prison since the launch of this journal in 2019. Authors are invited to contribute manuscripts that help define, contest, and contemplate this current moment of postsecondary education in prison and re-entry for/with directly impacted communities.
There are hurdles in Nebraska’s prison education system despite recent successes. Obtaining a post-secondary education while incarcerated is challenging, confusing and ever-changing. Community colleges in the state’s urban cores — like Southeast’s ‘Unlocking Potential’ initiative and Metro Community College’s 180 Reentry program — offer a path for incarcerated people to work toward a college degree. But the opportunities are limited and often difficult to access, according to four education program staff members.
There are hurdles in Nebraska’s prison education system despite recent successes. Obtaining a post-secondary education while incarcerated is challenging, confusing and ever-changing. Community colleges in the state’s urban cores — like Southeast’s ‘Unlocking Potential’ initiative and Metro Community College’s 180 Reentry program — offer a path for incarcerated people to work toward a college degree. But the opportunities are limited and often difficult to access, according to four education program staff members.
Mississippi Delta Community College marked a historic milestone May 14 at the Mississippi State Penitentiary by inducting incarcerated students into the state’s first Beta Omega Beta chapter, a part of Phi Theta Kappa.
Mississippi Delta Community College marked a historic milestone May 14 at the Mississippi State Penitentiary by inducting incarcerated students into the state’s first Beta Omega Beta chapter, a part of Phi Theta Kappa.
