PA CHEP: Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education in Prisons

Advancing educational equity in Pennsylvania's justice system

Unlocking potential, transforming lives

PA CHEP is dedicated to unlocking the transformative power of education for incarcerated individuals across Pennsylvania through collaborative partnerships and comprehensive support services. We strive to provide access to college courses, empower personal growth, and foster societal change.

PA CHEP Conference
Pennsylvania Prison Education Teacher
Educational Resources

Resource Library

Explore our Resource Library, a hub for essential information on incarceration and education. From guidance for starting prison education programs to articles for those transitioning post-release, find valuable resources for all.

Key to Education Prosperity

Unlocking State Aid Initiative

Recent changes in federal laws now permit incarcerated students to apply for Pell grants; however, Pennsylvania law still prohibits incarcerated individuals from receiving state financial aid. We’re working to change it.

Coworkers Collaboration

Building Infrastructure

Learn more about our endeavors aimed at fortifying Pennsylvania's prison education landscape. By facilitating subgrants to educational institutions and collaborating with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, PA CHEP is working to lay the groundwork for educational opportunities within correctional facilities statewide.

I personally found higher education in prisons to be a transformative tool…Postsecondary education transforms an incarcerated individual into a person who is needed in society. We cannot keep viewing prison as a place where talent and capacity remain dormant inside of a cage.”

— Malik D.

“More than anything else, participating in education while inside taught me how to learn.  That may sound silly, but I never really learned how to learn…But once I learned it, and began applying it, I realized my educational opportunities were endless

— Kurt D.

Members of PA CHEP Smiling

Contact

Feel free to contact us with questions at any time.

Email
pachep.org@gmail.com

Phone
(610) 519-8793