Our History
The history of the Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education in Prisons (PA CHEP) traces back to its roots in 2020 when Penn State, in collaboration with Bucknell University, Bloomsburg University, Penn College, and Luzerne Community College, laid the foundation for a statewide higher education in prison collaborative. This partnership sought to reshape the educational and carceral landscapes of the state by leveraging the resources and reach of 260 higher education institutions across Pennsylvania. Recognizing the potential to make a profound impact on the Commonwealth's correctional system, the collaborative aimed to provide access to higher education in three regions: East, West, and Central Pennsylvania.
In 2023, the seeds of a statewide consortium were further nurtured as universities from across Pennsylvania convened at Villanova University's campus for the first in-person meeting since the onset of COVID-19. With the generous support of the Mellon Foundation, the consortium set forth ambitious goals, including fostering collaboration among universities, aadvocating for statewide policy changes conducive to the operation of higher education programs in prison, and providing thought leadership on key issues impacting higher education in prison.
A key milestone in the consortium's journey was the formation of a steering committee comprising representatives from various higher education institutions offering prison education programs in Pennsylvania, alongside formerly incarcerated individuals. This diverse representation underscored the consortium's commitment to inclusivity and collective action. As the consortium continued to evolve, it embarked on a mission to learn from established models and explore best practices to inform its approach.
Central to the consortium's vision was the provision of subgrants to member institutions, funded by the Mellon Foundation, to spark innovation and expand access to prison education programs. These strategic grants, which will commence disbursement in 2023, aim to support the launch of new initiatives and strengthen existing programs, with a focus on long-term sustainability and equitable distribution across the state.
Looking ahead, PA CHEP remains dedicated to its mission of expanding access to higher education in prisons, fostering collaboration among institutions, and advocating for systemic change. As it continues to grow and evolve, PA CHEP stands poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals across Pennsylvania, empowering them with educational opportunities and pathways to success.