MDOC and Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison Members Discuss Success and Next Steps

LANSING, MI - MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington spoke today at the Michigan Higher Education in Prison Conference where Michigan leaders in prison education gathered to discuss strategies to further post-secondary education initiatives within Michigan's state prison system.

The conference was organized by the Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (MiCHEP), in collaboration with Calvin University, and brought together representatives from the Michigan Department of Corrections and 14 post-secondary partner institutions. MiCHEP consults with and works in partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections to coordinate higher education offerings at 15 Michigan correctional facilities.

"The Michigan Department of Corrections has had the privilege of partnering with some of the best higher education institutions in the state for well over a decade now; bringing quality programming and degrees to students in our facilities who are committed to improving their circumstances," said MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington. "We have seen incredible growth in these programs, and we are so proud of the students who have chosen to improve their future and set themselves up for a good-paying job. I am grateful for opportunities like the conference today to further collaboration and momentum with our partners on these programs that are changing lives every day."

Students participating in higher education programs can earn bachelor's and associate degrees in a variety of disciplines such as business administration, faith and community leadership, and sociology. To date, students have completed 730 associate's degrees and 150 bachelor's degrees through prison education programs. There are currently approximately 1,300 incarcerated students participating in a post-secondary program and more that are interested. The department continues to look for new partner colleges and universities and opportunities to grow.

"The Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison is thrilled by the progress being made to post-secondary programming in prisons, and also by the progress being made by the dedicated students who decided to pursue the next step of their education," said Richard Ray, MiCHEP Steering Committee Chair. "A college education is one of the most important things a person can do to invest in themselves, and even more so for incarcerated students who may face additional barriers to success. The students in our programs are showing us that they are not only dedicated to improving themselves but also improving the lives of their families and the communities of which they are a part."

Completion of a post-secondary program has been proven to reduce the chance that an individual will reoffend once they are released on parole. Expansion of college opportunities has contributed to the lowest recidivism rate on state record of 21%.

Institutions that are currently offering programs to incarcerate individuals in Michigan correctional institutions include: Calvin University, Delta College, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Hope College, Jackson College, Kellogg Community College, Lake Superior State University, Mott Community College, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University.

The Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (MiCHEP) advocates for the power of higher education to improve the lives of incarcerated students and their communities, thereby benefiting corrections staff and Michigan taxpayers. MiCHEP believes that college-in-prison can restore personal agency, dignity, and economic opportunity for incarcerated students.

The Michigan Department of Corrections has established itself as a national leader in evidence-based corrections under the direction of Director Heidi E. Washington. Over the last decade, the department has safely reduced the prison population, worked to modernize facilities and operations, increased opportunities that support long-term public safety and self-sufficiency, and achieved the lowest recidivism rates in our state's history.

MiCHEP Executive Director Jeff Abernathy, MiCHEP Steering Committee Chair Richard Ray, MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington, Calvin Prison Initiative Executive Director Lisa Schra.

Director Heidi E. Washington speaks to attendees during the opening plenary session.

Eastern Michigan University and Jackson College program graduate Jacara Moore, Executive Director of Humanity for Prisoners Mark Hartman, MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington, Hope College program graduate Richard Nelson.

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