Unlocked Lock with Key

Unlocking Potential, Transforming Lives

At PA CHEP, we are driven by a singular mission: to harness the transformative power of education to empower incarcerated individuals across Pennsylvania. Through collaborative partnerships with higher education institutions, correctional facilities, and community stakeholders, we work to expand access to comprehensive higher education courses that serve as catalysts for personal growth and societal change.

Our commitment is unwavering. We work tirelessly to ensure that every incarcerated student has the opportunity to pursue a college degree, certificate, or academic credential while in prison. Beyond this, we extend our support into the post-release phase, assisting returning citizens in navigating the transition back to college life.

In addition to prison education programs (PEPs), our consortium's work also encompasses non-credit bearing initiatives aimed at readying incarcerated individuals for entry into degree and certificate bearing programs and supporting their equitable access to such. This includes credit-bearing courses offered by non-PEP programs whose credits can be transferred into those programs, ultimately supporting incarcerated students' capacities to complete degrees and certificates.

Central to our ethos is a dedication to the holistic well-being of our students. We advocate tirelessly for robust student support services tailored to meet the unique needs of incarcerated individuals, fostering environments conducive to academic success and personal development.

At PA CHEP, education is more than just a tool for advancement; it is a beacon of hope, a pathway to redemption, and a force for positive change. Together, with our partners and supporters, we strive to build a future where access to education transcends barriers and empowers all individuals to reach their full potential.

Three Keys to Our Vision

  • Pennsylvania state law includes a “morality clause", a provision which restricts incarcerated individuals from accessing state financial aid for education while serving their sentences. Eliminating the morality clause is a necessary step toward a more just and equitable system. By expanding access to financial aid, we not only expand access to higher education within prisons, but also invest in the betterment of our communities, fostering a more rehabilitative and more secure criminal justice system

  • Promoting digital equity and the integration of educational technology within correctional facilities is a pivotal step in ensuring that all individuals have equal access to educational opportunities. Educational technology not only breaks down physical barriers but also bridges the educational divide, allowing incarcerated individuals access to a wide range of academic resources and greater connection with higher education programs. By embracing digital equity, we acknowledge that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves a fair chance to acquire potentially transformative knowledge and skills.

  • Higher education for incarcerated individuals has been shown to significantly improve workforce development and reduce recidivism rates. By equipping incarcerated individuals with skills and knowledge during incarceration, we can create opportunities to transition more smoothly into the workforce upon release. Higher education programs can play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of reentry by equipping individuals with the skills and qualifications needed for gainful employment. Higher education in prison programs not only offer incarcerated individuals access to the tools they need for employment, but also empower them to forge a brighter and more promising future for themselves, families, and the common good.