Jacara Moore’s Journey from Higher Education in Prison to Advocacy

A college degree can be a milestone. It can also become a foundation for leadership, advocacy, and community change.

Jacara Moore graduated from Eastern Michigan University’s College in Prison Program in 2025 as a member of the inaugural cohort at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility.

She earned her Bachelor of General Studies degree with a 4.0 GPA, founded the EMU Business Club at WHV, and won EMU’s first annual Business Pitch Competition.

After completing her certificate through Vocational Village at WHV, Jacara left prison working for an engineering company in 3D printing, building on her technical and problem-solving skills.

Today, she serves as Associate Director of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), working with returning citizens and advocating for justice-impacted communities.

Her journey reflects the broader impact of higher education in prison. Students gain more than credentials. They develop knowledge, confidence, leadership skills, professional opportunities, and the ability to contribute to their communities.

In 2026, Jacara shared her experience with members of Michigan’s higher education in prison community at MiCHEP’s conference, bringing her perspective as a graduate, advocate, and leader.

Stories like Jacara’s remind us why expanding access to higher education in prison matters and why the voices of people directly impacted by incarceration must be part of the conversation.

MiCHEP is proud to share the stories of students, graduates, educators, and advocates advancing higher education in prison throughout Michigan.