A high quality education for all
MiCHEP helps member colleges provide a high quality education for their students by sharing resources, encouraging best practices, and offering technical assistance between member institutions. MiCHEP also works collaboratively with MDOC to identify gaps in programs, help review new college in prison program applications, improve data collection and dissemination related to incarcerated students, and provide other insights as needed.
Michigan's incarcerated college students
Collaboration benefits students
Incarcerated college students earning degrees from MiCHEP member institutions benefit from the combined experience of colleges and universities throughout Michigan. MiCHEP is structured to ensure program directors, faculty, and university staff can collaborate with each other to share experience and explore best practices together.
Education that inspires purpose and progress
In addition to the broad education provided by courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities, students have the option of pursuing in-depth learning in a variety of disciplines - including business administration, entrepreneurship, community and nonprofit leadership, sociology, and other subjects. This variety helps students explore their interests and develop both the soft skills and the practical wisdom needed to flourish after graduation. An education at a MiCHEP member college or university prepares them to contribute to the common good as self-reliant, productive citizens after returning to their communities.
"College brings me hope and a future. I thank all who make my college education possible for not forgetting about me. I am forever grateful."
MiCHEP Student
"I spent years before my incarceration destroying my life. College is helping me rebuild it."
MiCHEP Student
"When I look in the mirror, I no longer just see an inmate. I see a human being who has value and the capacity to be of service to others."
MiCHEP Student
Creating leaders by centering student voices
​​Michigan's incarcerated students tend to be determined, capable, diligent learners who excel in the classroom. They often earn course grades that result in laudable GPAs and Dean's List honors. They also learn valued leadership skills. Every Michigan prison that hosts a college degree program has a Student Voice Council, which serves as a type of student government. The ability to practice leadership assists with improved perspective-taking, listening skills, and enhanced problem-solving.
MiCHEP deeply values the student experience and the considerable insight that comes from an incarcerated student's perspective, so we ensure student voices are included in its governance. A formerly incarcerated college graduate and two currently incarcerated students - from both men's and women's facilities - serve as voting members of MiCHEP's Steering Committee.
Most of my life has been a journey in the hope of
finding something greater than myself. Getting a college education is providing me with the tools necessary to truly complete my journey…to be a better person…to be a bigger person than I once was…to contribute to the world around me in a more positive way.”
MiCHEP Student