College in Prison
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The EMU College in Prison (CiP) Program at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility (WHV) provides incarcerated students an opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree through Eastern Michigan University. We currently offer a Bachelor of General Studies degree and anticipate offering a Bachelor of Arts - Civic Engagement degree in early 2025. We offer courses from across the College of Arts & Sciences as well as other Colleges.
During the 2023-24 academic year, our offerings included Counseling, Creative Writing, Economics, History, Management, Philosophy, and Social Work courses. Coming up, we plan to offer courses in Africology and African American Studies, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Criminology, Literature, Media, Political Science, Sociology, Urban Planning, and Women's and Gender Studies. We also provide wrap around support including financial aid assistance, academic advising, curricular and program oversight, mentoring, technology, and school supplies.
CiP QUICK FACTS
- EMU was 1 of just 200 universities nationwide chosen as a Second-Chance Pell Institution.
- EMU is the 1st public 4-year institution in Michigan with an accredited prison education program.
- EMU is the 1st and ONLY public 4-year institution in Michigan serving incarcerated women.
HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM
EMU has a long history of engagement with WHV, offering uncredited courses since 2008. Prior to the restoration of Pell eligibility for all incarcerated students, EMU was granted Second Chance Pell access in 2022. Barriers related to COVID-19 pushed back the launch until fall 2023.
Bachelor’s degrees enable greater job opportunities and higher earnings. Additionally, successfully completing a degree boosts self-esteem for incarcerated students and provides them with fulfilling activities during incarceration. As a Carnegie Engaged Institution (Community Classifications 2008 and 2015) and a public university dedicated to local and global impact, EMU has a long history of expanding opportunities for students to earn bachelor’s degrees.
QUOTE FROM A CURRENT CiP STUDENT
"The College in Prison Program is a blessing to me. I have no idea if I would have changed my outlook on life without the encouragement from instructors opening my eyes to the realization of my full potential. I now know my purpose and who I am destined to be." (JM)
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Meghan Lechner, M.Ed: Director, College in Prison & Returning Citizen Programs
Dr. Beth Currans: Academic Coordinator, Professor
Jessica (Decky) Alexander: Development Coordinator, Professor
CiP IN THE NEWS
EMU launches first-ever bachelor's degree program for Michigan's only women's prison; Concentrate Media; September 2023
WEMU 89.1 Interview: EMU's College in Prison Program povides first step and a second chance; September 2023
CBS News Detroit: EMU offering college-level courses to inmates; August 2023
EMU Today TV Special Edition: August 2023
EMU appoints new direcor for bachelor program benefiting incarcerated people this fall; EMU Today; July 2023
For more information, please contact Meghan Lechner or Beth Currans.