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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Higher Education In Prison Initiative
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Expanding Education Access

The WVU Higher Education in Prison Initiative (HEPI) improves educational access for people imprisoned in the Appalachian region and generates experiential learning and research opportunities for WVU students and faculty.

HEPI Programs

Associate Degree

We coordinate an Associate of Arts degree in Professional Studies with Waynesburg University upon completion of a sixty-credit-hour curriculum.

Degree and Course Info

Inside-Out Prison Exchange

We offer Inside-Out courses for on-campus students and incarcerated students to learn together during a semester-long class held in a prison.

Inside Out Details

Book Clubs

We host book clubs to encourage meaningful conversations about literature, find outlets for creative expression, and build community with inside and outside participants.

About the Clubs
 

Higher education in prison has a positive

Impact

on both on-campus and incarcerated students by increasing social awareness, building empathy, and encouraging new perspectives. 

Increased Self Worth
Students who participate in college classes report increased self worth, commitment to community, and motivation to enact positive change. 


Stack of books sitting on a table

“I'm grateful for the opportunity the associate degree program has provided me. As a person who's incarcerated, I never thought I would have the opportunity to expand my education, but thanks to this program, I now feel like I'm heading in the right direction. ”

— Inaugural Cohort Member

 

Bridging
The Divide

HEPI aims to build an intellectual and creative network that bridges the divide of prison walls and makes possible a more diverse and inclusive Mountaineer community. Learn more about our work.