At SCI Greene, a maximum-security prison in Pennsylvania, a unique opportunity is unfolding. West Virginia University (WVU) undergraduate students are learning side by side with incarcerated students. Both groups earn credits through a collaboration involving WVU, Waynesburg University, and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, thanks to the WVU Higher Education in Prison Initiative.
The program offers courses on various subjects like criminology, history, math, literature, and drama. Katy Ryan, the founding director of WVU HEPI, highlights the profound impact education has on all students. “Education improves life quality inside prison and opens doors after release,” she notes. Incarcerated students express how learning gives them hope and a purpose. It also transforms conversations at home, inspiring their children to consider college as a possibility.
Since 2019, the initiative has run five Inside-Out courses at SCI Greene, with 15 incarcerated students on the path to earning associate degrees in professional studies. Beyond SCI Greene, the program extends to other correctional facilities like SCI Fayette, FPC Morgantown, and Hazelton Correctional Center, engaging over 100 WVU students. This is part of a broader effort to enhance educational access for marginalized communities in Appalachia.
WVU HEPI stands out not only for its courses but also for its student-led initiatives. These programs, created by Inside-Out students, include a book club and peer-mentoring setups. They even involve training for end-of-life advocacy, teaching compassionate companionship to those nearing death. These initiatives often stem from classes led by professors like James Nolan, a sociology expert and former police detective. His courses encourage students to think critically about justice and propose projects for administration approval.
Rayna Momen, HEPI cofounder, shares that the experience is transformative for both inside and outside students. “Learning from each other shifts perspectives,” she says. Some WVU students have even changed their career paths after these interactions, leaning toward social justice roles. The vision for the future is even more ambitious, with hopes for SCI Greene students to access a four-year degree from WVU.
Their enthusiasm is matched by the support from the prison’s administration. Ryan emphasizes, “We are grateful for the partnerships we’ve built.” While release dates can be uncertain, the desire to earn degrees remains strong among the students. The initiative seeks to support that journey, contributing to a cycle of hope and education.
Education in prisons isn’t just a local issue. Nationwide, programs like Inside-Out have gained traction. A 2021 study from the Vera Institute of Justice found that inmates who participate in educational programs are 43% less likely to return to prison. As society continues to explore rehabilitation over punishment, initiatives like WVU HEPI shine as beacons of change.
