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The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is pleased to announce that the second annual Incarcerated Scholars Conference (ISC) will be held virtually October 21-22, 2025. The theme that will frame this year’s conference is Pathways to Possibility. We invite students and alumni of higher education in prison programs who are currently incarcerated to contribute to our conference by submitting a presentation proposal. We also invite incarcerated artists to submit their creative works for consideration (you do not have to be a current or former student to participate in this portion of the conference).
The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is pleased to announce that the second annual Incarcerated Scholars Conference (ISC) will be held virtually October 21-22, 2025. The theme that will frame this year’s conference is Pathways to Possibility. We invite students and alumni of higher education in prison programs who are currently incarcerated to contribute to our conference by submitting a presentation proposal. We also invite incarcerated artists to submit their creative works for consideration (you do not have to be a current or former student to participate in this portion of the conference).
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.
A market scan of technology tools and platforms that can expand and improve education and training options for people who are incarcerated. This market scan report is intended to be a resource for six categories of stakeholders—corrections officials, postsecondary leaders, employers, tech vendors and technologists, investors, and policymakers—who are interested in catalyzing the adoption of education technology in prisons and jails, either by working with other stakeholders and people who are incarcerated to design and implement new programs and solutions or by investing in or partnering with innovative companies that have the potential to grow and drive transformational change in this market.
A market scan of technology tools and platforms that can expand and improve education and training options for people who are incarcerated. This market scan report is intended to be a resource for six categories of stakeholders—corrections officials, postsecondary leaders, employers, tech vendors and technologists, investors, and policymakers—who are interested in catalyzing the adoption of education technology in prisons and jails, either by working with other stakeholders and people who are incarcerated to design and implement new programs and solutions or by investing in or partnering with innovative companies that have the potential to grow and drive transformational change in this market.
America’s prisons and jails are information deserts. Restrictions—and in some cases, outright bans—on internet access, combined with limited library services and the censorship of both print and digital materials, severely curtail incarcerated individuals’ connection to the outside world. Legal information is no exception. While access to legal information is both a constitutionally mandated right and a vital need for those seeking to challenge a conviction, contest conditions of confinement, or address family law matters, a growing body of research shows that incarcerated people face significant barriers to exercising that right. This report summarizes the first phase of our research and frames the broader project.
America’s prisons and jails are information deserts. Restrictions—and in some cases, outright bans—on internet access, combined with limited library services and the censorship of both print and digital materials, severely curtail incarcerated individuals’ connection to the outside world. Legal information is no exception. While access to legal information is both a constitutionally mandated right and a vital need for those seeking to challenge a conviction, contest conditions of confinement, or address family law matters, a growing body of research shows that incarcerated people face significant barriers to exercising that right. This report summarizes the first phase of our research and frames the broader project.
The Institute for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Programs for Education in Prison published this reentry guide for returning citizens based on the EJP publication Mapping Your Future: A Guide to Successful Re-Entry.
The Institute for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Programs for Education in Prison published this reentry guide for returning citizens based on the EJP publication Mapping Your Future: A Guide to Successful Re-Entry.
Open Campus is gathering insights through a short survey to better understand what information matters most to people working at the intersection of higher education and the criminal legal system. Responses will help guide content for College Inside, Open Campus' newsletter reaching 1,500 print readers and thousands more through prison tablets. They’ll also help JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement strengthen support for employers, educators, training providers, and corrections partners.
Open Campus is gathering insights through a short survey to better understand what information matters most to people working at the intersection of higher education and the criminal legal system. Responses will help guide content for College Inside, Open Campus' newsletter reaching 1,500 print readers and thousands more through prison tablets. They’ll also help JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement strengthen support for employers, educators, training providers, and corrections partners.
In one of Idaho’s nine prisons, an incarcerated person can choose to pursue their GED, take classes in finance or gardening, pursue trade certificates in fields like construction, or even learn how to code. However, traditional college courses have previously been out of reach, with the only option being clunky and unreliable “mail-in” courses. Now, several Idaho prisons have in-person classes for college credit.
In one of Idaho’s nine prisons, an incarcerated person can choose to pursue their GED, take classes in finance or gardening, pursue trade certificates in fields like construction, or even learn how to code. However, traditional college courses have previously been out of reach, with the only option being clunky and unreliable “mail-in” courses. Now, several Idaho prisons have in-person classes for college credit.
The 2025 Rise Up Conference is scheduled for September 8-9, 2025 - and it's time to make your voices heard. If you are a directly impacted student, higher education in prison practitioner or alum, or other kind of professional, and you have something to say about one of this year's six tracks, Rise Up wants to hear from you. Check out the Rise Up Conference website or, if you're ready to submit your proposal, head right to the submission form. Currently incarcerated presenters are also welcome to apply, and Rise Up will work with those authors on a presentation format that accommodates their circumstances.
The 2025 Rise Up Conference is scheduled for September 8-9, 2025 - and it's time to make your voices heard. If you are a directly impacted student, higher education in prison practitioner or alum, or other kind of professional, and you have something to say about one of this year's six tracks, Rise Up wants to hear from you. Check out the Rise Up Conference website or, if you're ready to submit your proposal, head right to the submission form. Currently incarcerated presenters are also welcome to apply, and Rise Up will work with those authors on a presentation format that accommodates their circumstances.
Developing pathways to economic mobility isn’t just about helping people who are incarcerated—it’s about enriching their families and communities, filling workforce gaps, and driving economic growth.
Developing pathways to economic mobility isn’t just about helping people who are incarcerated—it’s about enriching their families and communities, filling workforce gaps, and driving economic growth.
To better understand how departments of corrections are approaching oversight and evaluation, and to get a sense of the kinds of documents and procedures being created for that purpose, Ithaka S+R spoke to Macy Pickman, education director in the Kansas Department of Corrections, who has taken the time to explain how she has worked with college partners to develop guidelines and procedures for the Best Interest Determination process.
To better understand how departments of corrections are approaching oversight and evaluation, and to get a sense of the kinds of documents and procedures being created for that purpose, Ithaka S+R spoke to Macy Pickman, education director in the Kansas Department of Corrections, who has taken the time to explain how she has worked with college partners to develop guidelines and procedures for the Best Interest Determination process.
This new case study highlights how leaders in Tennessee have collaborated to create the Tennessee Prison College Coalition (TPCC), which has expanded and improved postsecondary education for incarcerated students across the state. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders from TPCC, this case study provides insight and recommendations for policymakers and advocates across the country to expand access to education for justice-impacted individuals in their own communities. It can inform state efforts to scale postsecondary programs in prison and align state higher education, workforce development, and public safety goals.
This new case study highlights how leaders in Tennessee have collaborated to create the Tennessee Prison College Coalition (TPCC), which has expanded and improved postsecondary education for incarcerated students across the state. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders from TPCC, this case study provides insight and recommendations for policymakers and advocates across the country to expand access to education for justice-impacted individuals in their own communities. It can inform state efforts to scale postsecondary programs in prison and align state higher education, workforce development, and public safety goals.
Originally launched by Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (SIU) in 1965, the American Penal Press Contest is back! Co-sponsored by SIU and Pollen Initiative, the contest aims to strengthen the prison press by shining a light on its strength, providing professional feedback, encouraging healthy competition between publications, and building common ground between the prison press and the outside journalism industry. Entries will be accepted until May 30, 2025 and winners will be announced in September.
Originally launched by Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (SIU) in 1965, the American Penal Press Contest is back! Co-sponsored by SIU and Pollen Initiative, the contest aims to strengthen the prison press by shining a light on its strength, providing professional feedback, encouraging healthy competition between publications, and building common ground between the prison press and the outside journalism industry. Entries will be accepted until May 30, 2025 and winners will be announced in September.
WIBW and The Topeka Capital-Journal in Topeka, Kansas featured our incredible fellow, Amy, and highlighted her experience working remotely for the Alliance while finishing her degree. As part of our Education in Action initiative, she's helping us expand opportunities for incarcerated learners in Kansas and beyond!
WIBW and The Topeka Capital-Journal in Topeka, Kansas featured our incredible fellow, Amy, and highlighted her experience working remotely for the Alliance while finishing her degree. As part of our Education in Action initiative, she's helping us expand opportunities for incarcerated learners in Kansas and beyond!
Five $100,000 Accelerator Grants: The New England Prison Education Collaborative (NEPEC), led by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), and funded by Ascendium Education Group, will release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for its inaugural Accelerator Grants on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Five $100,000 Accelerator Grants: The New England Prison Education Collaborative (NEPEC), led by the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), and funded by Ascendium Education Group, will release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for its inaugural Accelerator Grants on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
On February 17, 2025, correctional officers across New York state staged an unsanctioned strike—the second statewide walkout of the correctional workforce in state history. Following an incident and ensuing lockdown at Collins Correctional Facility, officers at Collins and Elmira began a series of wildcat strikes.
On February 17, 2025, correctional officers across New York state staged an unsanctioned strike—the second statewide walkout of the correctional workforce in state history. Following an incident and ensuing lockdown at Collins Correctional Facility, officers at Collins and Elmira began a series of wildcat strikes.
Ithaka S+R recently attended and presented (Alex Monday, Bethany Lewis) at the 14th annual National Conference on Higher Education in Prisons (NCHEP), held April 10-11 in New Orleans. We offer some reflections on notable themes and takeaways from NCHEP.
Ithaka S+R recently attended and presented (Alex Monday, Bethany Lewis) at the 14th annual National Conference on Higher Education in Prisons (NCHEP), held April 10-11 in New Orleans. We offer some reflections on notable themes and takeaways from NCHEP.
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Leaders from HBCUs, criminal justice advocates and community organizers gathered at Bowie State University over the weekend for the inaugural HBCU Prison Education Summit to discuss strategies to expand offering university courses and degree programs to incarcerated citizens.
Leaders from HBCUs, criminal justice advocates and community organizers gathered at Bowie State University over the weekend for the inaugural HBCU Prison Education Summit to discuss strategies to expand offering university courses and degree programs to incarcerated citizens.
Rockwood Leadership Institute, in partnership with Ascendium, is excited to announce that applications for the second cohort of the Fellowship for Leaders in Higher Education in Prison are now open!
Rockwood Leadership Institute, in partnership with Ascendium, is excited to announce that applications for the second cohort of the Fellowship for Leaders in Higher Education in Prison are now open!
A growing body of research documents the barriers faced by incarcerated students—such as limited access to technology and conflicts with correctional staff—but far less attention has been paid to the role of the built environment in shaping educational experiences. This project, led by Ennead Lab and Ithaka S+R, examines how spatial, architecture, and design features impact learning inside prisons. It draws on qualitative interviews and site visits to advance both research findings and a portfolio of design interventions.
A growing body of research documents the barriers faced by incarcerated students—such as limited access to technology and conflicts with correctional staff—but far less attention has been paid to the role of the built environment in shaping educational experiences. This project, led by Ennead Lab and Ithaka S+R, examines how spatial, architecture, and design features impact learning inside prisons. It draws on qualitative interviews and site visits to advance both research findings and a portfolio of design interventions.
The Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (PA CHEP) is now accepting applications for subgrants of up to $30,000 to support the launch or expansion of higher education programs in Pennsylvania correctional facilities. These grants are open to accredited higher education institutions seeking to develop, implement, or sustain programs for incarcerated students, with a focus on reaching underserved regions and populations.
The Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (PA CHEP) is now accepting applications for subgrants of up to $30,000 to support the launch or expansion of higher education programs in Pennsylvania correctional facilities. These grants are open to accredited higher education institutions seeking to develop, implement, or sustain programs for incarcerated students, with a focus on reaching underserved regions and populations.
Seven Cal Poly Humboldt students present at the first ever Incarcerated Scholars Conference, hosted by the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison.
Seven Cal Poly Humboldt students present at the first ever Incarcerated Scholars Conference, hosted by the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison.
Two recent, historic developments make it crucial to zero in on how prisons integrate technology into their higher education programs -- the coronavirus pandemic and the restoration of incarcerated persons' access to PELL grant money for higher education expenses. Author Mandy Mitchell recommends best practices policies for tech use in education programs and identifies barriers and recommends reforms for effective edtech policy in prisons.
Two recent, historic developments make it crucial to zero in on how prisons integrate technology into their higher education programs -- the coronavirus pandemic and the restoration of incarcerated persons' access to PELL grant money for higher education expenses. Author Mandy Mitchell recommends best practices policies for tech use in education programs and identifies barriers and recommends reforms for effective edtech policy in prisons.
This new assessment and reporting tool has been designed to help any college map the existing services available to their students directly or through established partnerships. Created in collaboration with experts in the reentry process and individuals with lived experience, the tool evaluates existing services across the most pronounced areas of student need. The tool generates a personalized summary report to share with key partners and decision makers to foster collaboration, celebrate areas of strength, and guide strategic improvement. The tool is available for free to users.
This new assessment and reporting tool has been designed to help any college map the existing services available to their students directly or through established partnerships. Created in collaboration with experts in the reentry process and individuals with lived experience, the tool evaluates existing services across the most pronounced areas of student need. The tool generates a personalized summary report to share with key partners and decision makers to foster collaboration, celebrate areas of strength, and guide strategic improvement. The tool is available for free to users.
This article explores remote work opportunities for people who are incarcerated, featuring insights from the Alliance, our partners, and Alum Fellow Victoria Scott. Highlighting initiatives in Maine, it shares the stories of people earning fair wages, building skills, and redefining their futures..
This article explores remote work opportunities for people who are incarcerated, featuring insights from the Alliance, our partners, and Alum Fellow Victoria Scott. Highlighting initiatives in Maine, it shares the stories of people earning fair wages, building skills, and redefining their futures..
The U.S. Department of Education serves students and student loan borrowers who are currently or formerly incarcerated within all types of correctional facilities. You may contact the Department by postal mail using the following instructions.
The U.S. Department of Education serves students and student loan borrowers who are currently or formerly incarcerated within all types of correctional facilities. You may contact the Department by postal mail using the following instructions.
The Alliance is excited to announce the launch of our 2025 Cohort program, designed to empower prison education programs to integrate remote work-based learning (WBL) into curricula. Over the course of a year, cohort members will gain access to the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to implement WBL within their PEPs, contributing to an emerging practice that is redefining the landscape of education in the carceral space.
The Alliance is excited to announce the launch of our 2025 Cohort program, designed to empower prison education programs to integrate remote work-based learning (WBL) into curricula. Over the course of a year, cohort members will gain access to the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to implement WBL within their PEPs, contributing to an emerging practice that is redefining the landscape of education in the carceral space.
Registration for the 14th annual National Conference of Higher Education in Prison is now open. Join us April 10-11, 2025 in New Orleans!
Registration for the 14th annual National Conference of Higher Education in Prison is now open. Join us April 10-11, 2025 in New Orleans!
Jobs for the Future (JFF)'s Project ACCESS offers an incredible opportunity for programs supporting learners who are incarcerated to expand their reach and impact. This initiative is designed to help community and technical colleges scale innovative programs that connect learners—especially those facing systemic barriers—with paid work-based learning opportunities and hashtag#qualityjobs.
Jobs for the Future (JFF)'s Project ACCESS offers an incredible opportunity for programs supporting learners who are incarcerated to expand their reach and impact. This initiative is designed to help community and technical colleges scale innovative programs that connect learners—especially those facing systemic barriers—with paid work-based learning opportunities and hashtag#qualityjobs.
This playbook emerged from a pressing need identified by Ascendium Education Group for decision-making tools and frameworks to assist correctional leadership in navigating the complex landscape of educational technology for education in prison. Building on lessons learned throughout nearly two and a half years of research on the changing role of technology in education in prison, we set out to understand student experiences of and perspectives on the use of educational technology in correctional settings. The tools and process outlined here are designed specifically to help correctional leaders center student outcomes and needs as they navigate the complex landscape of educational technology. However, we believe this playbook will also be of value to students, instructors, and administrators of higher education in prison in their self-assessment of and advocacy for educational technology, as well as to better understand, the challenges correctional leaders face.
This playbook emerged from a pressing need identified by Ascendium Education Group for decision-making tools and frameworks to assist correctional leadership in navigating the complex landscape of educational technology for education in prison. Building on lessons learned throughout nearly two and a half years of research on the changing role of technology in education in prison, we set out to understand student experiences of and perspectives on the use of educational technology in correctional settings. The tools and process outlined here are designed specifically to help correctional leaders center student outcomes and needs as they navigate the complex landscape of educational technology. However, we believe this playbook will also be of value to students, instructors, and administrators of higher education in prison in their self-assessment of and advocacy for educational technology, as well as to better understand, the challenges correctional leaders face.
NSF funded summer research internship in infectious disease and public health at Yale University
NSF funded summer research internship in infectious disease and public health at Yale University
