A collage/drawing of two women studying together in a prison classroom with the US map in the background

Together we can amplify access to quality higher education in prison.

Make a Donation

In recent years the number of higher education in prison programs across the United States has grown significantly. Yet there continues to be a lack of public knowledge about the field of higher education in prison as well as a network of support to share expertise and experiences. This leaves many people involved with higher education in prison – from practitioners and teachers to students and program staff – feeling isolated and without support.

Why Donate?

When you donate to the Alliance, you help build a community of practice that is increasing access, equity and quality among higher education in prison programs across the country.

  • $50 – Distribute 5 copies of the Journal of Higher Education in Prison to a prison library
  • $100 – Send the Equity and Excellence in Practice report to 20 students
  • $350 – Provide a registration fee waiver to one person who is formerly incarcerated for the National Conference on Higher Education in Prison
  • $500 – Purchase 20 books for our Higher Education in Prison Community Reading Project and include one additional higher education in prison program
  • $750 – Add one more personal narrative to our Story Center
  • $1,500 – Support travel and accommodations for one person who is formerly to the National Conference on Higher Education in Prison
  • $2,500 – Sponsor a Networking Session at the National Conference on Higher Education in Prison
  • $5,000 – Become a Sustaining Supporter of the Alliance
“What I'm hoping that I can represent for other folks is that although I've had this experience in my life there's so much more that I can give. No one is their worst day. My grandmother was always very proud of the things that I was able to accomplish in prison, as well as post-release — earning degrees and fellowships and getting jobs in the field that I love to work in.”
Romarilyn Ralston, Program Coordinator, Project Rebound at Cal State University Fullerton

If you would like to discuss leaving a gift for the Alliance in your will, please contact us at: alliance@higheredinprison.org

Why advocate for increasing access to higher education in prison?

  • Higher education in prison contributes to a person’s sense of dignity and purpose and improves quality of life.
  • Higher education in prison can and must be a tool to abolish systems of power and oppression, including prisons.
  • The expansion of access to quality higher education in prison is critical to confronting the persistent inequality of opportunity in higher education, primarily for people of color and people who are economically disenfranchised.
  • Higher education in prison is a first chance to access quality education for many people who are currently incarcerated.
  • Higher education in prison can challenge the same oppressive structures that have enabled mass incarceration.
  • Higher education in prison can be part of the effort to challenge how the United States’ education system further stratifies marginalized communities, creating massive socioeconomic disparities while withholding resources and opportunities.
  • Higher education must be part of ensuring accountability and repair for the history of violence and oppression, and for the withholding of opportunities enacted on people and communities of color.
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