Project Summary

West Virginia University, in partnership with Waynesburg University and the Appalachian Prison Book Project, is expanding its associate degree program at SCI Greene. Building on a successful pilot cohort, the initiative combines for-credit coursework with peer mentorship, book clubs, and a writing Studio, while also preparing for new liberal arts and STEM offerings. The program strengthens regional collaboration and provides reentry support through scholarships, emergency funds, and a forthcoming guide for southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Key Activities

• Enroll a second student cohort in the associate degree program beginning Fall 2026.

• Expand liberal arts and STEM offerings through joint curriculum development with Waynesburg University.

• Strengthen faculty preparation through training led by system-impacted educators.

• Provide reentry support through emergency funds, scholarships, and a regional guide for southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

• Continue enrichment opportunities such as book clubs, writing workshops, and peer mentorship.

Impact

This initiative opens new educational pathways in southwestern Pennsylvania, a region where opportunities for incarcerated students have long been scarce. Students at SCI Greene are gaining access to rigorous coursework, peer mentorship, and enrichment programs that build skills, confidence, and community. System-impacted educators play a central role in preparing faculty and shaping curriculum, while reentry funds and a regional guide extend support beyond prison walls. As one of the few cross-state, public–private partnerships in the field, the initiative offers a replicable model for sustaining higher education in prison.