Why is College in Prison Important?
Women are the fastest-growing segment of the incarcerated population in the US. Many are survivors of trauma, poverty, and systemic inequality. Once released they face staggering barriers to employment, housing, and reintegration. Education is the most powerful tool in helping to break this cycle.
| RECIDIVISM | STATE SPENDING | COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS | EMU'S CIP PROGRAM |
| 2,273: Number of women incarcerated in Michigan | $2,098,000,000: Total Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) budget in 2024. | A $1M investment in prison education will prevent 600 crimes - the same investment in incarceration prevents only 350 crimes. | 60: Number of incarcerated women currently enrolled in EMU's College in Prison Program |
| 95%: Percent of women who will be RELEASED from prison in Michigan | $48,000: Amount of MDOC budget spent per inmate per year. | For every $1 invested in prison education, taxpayers are saved $4-5 in re-incarceration costs. | 3.87: Average GPA of CiP Students |
| 50%: Percent of women who will REOFFEND in their first year post-release. | 1-2%: Percent of overall MDOC budget spent on education. | The State will save over $9,000 per year on prisoners who particiate in Higher Education Programming. | 100%: Student retention rate |
| 5.6%: Percent of women who earn a Bachelor's Degree while incarcerated who will reoffend. | EMU's College in Prison Program helps to fill this gap in educational access! | Prisoners engaged in Higher Education Programs report 75% fewer prison-infractions - making prison safer for both students and officers. | 85%: Percent that will graduate while incarcerated. 15%: Percent that will finish on main campus or transfer to another university. |
What CiP students have to say about their experience:
"The encounters I now have with the people in my current community have been completely transformed through my experiences at EMU. I am a small part of sending healthier, more productive citizens out into society. I value and cherish this role." - A.F. (student)
"This program has given me a sense of accomplishment, improved self-esteem, and a sense of hope. While I know I will struggle with a sense of shame having been incarcerated, being able to accomplish this life goal has been so impactful for me and I will always be grateful for the opportunity." J.M. (student)
"Being able to participate in the CiP program has truly given me a second chance in life. I was broken and I carry that label of "convicted felon." I used that very label against myself as an excuse for why I couldn't achieve anything. Coming to prison not only gave me the opportunity to get to know myself but it allowed me the time and space to put in some much needed work toward healing...The CiP program gave me the opportunity to gain the knowledge and understanding of how to achieve my dreams. It gave me a passion for learning and in turn gave me a purpose that I know even as a conviced felon I can achieve." S.D. (student)
"Being in the [CiP] program has greatly changed my experience at WHV. I feel like a human [here]. I have a purpose and goal while I'm here. So many get lost in the prison environment they become complacent with the mistreatment." L.S. (student)
"It has kept me focused, out of trouble, brought a positive community and like-minded people together, allowed me to feel productive and good about my time. It also got me thinking and planning my future even when I had a lot of time ahead of me. It help me find myself and feel worthy." -P.W. (student)
"Being in this program will impact my life greatly moving forward. The people in this program truly care about our success and well-being. This program has helped me heal and grow to become a better person overall. Not to mention the skills and education I have received that will impact my life when I go home. I have been given so many tools that will help create businesses and help me advocate for reform. " -Q.L. (student)
"The staff in this program do more than support us. They encourage us, help us, and treat us as people. in this program I feel like a person, not the one mistake I made. The staff do everything they can to provide us with the tools we need to be successful. Words cannot begin to explain the amount of respect I have for everyone in this program. I will be forever grateful for this experience." -C.M. (student)