UW Coalition for Higher Education in Prison
The UW Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (UW CHEP) is a group of UW universities working together to build a network of higher education opportunities in Wisconsin prisons. This collaboration harnesses resources from across the state to create new degree pathways, develop innovative research and connect alumni with workforce opportunities that are shaping Wisconsin’s economic future.
Preparing for successful reentry
Of the 23,000 people currently incarcerated in Wisconsin, more than 95 percent will eventually return home from prison. UW CHEP prepares students for successful reentry with:
- academic and professional credentials,
- release planning,
- career advising and
- other services that promote educational equity and economic mobility.
Public service lies at the heart of our coalition. We believe student success stories that begin in our classrooms will benefit our wider community.
Benefiting communities
Participation in prison-based education reduces the risk that a student will commit new crimes and return to prison by about 40 percent, helping to:
- stabilize individuals and families,
- save taxpayer dollars spent on incarceration,
- prevent cycles of crime and
- create safer communities.
UW CHEP members surround students with positive peers, advisors and role models. Together, students help each other uncover their potential and transcend negative patterns and influences. The result is a growing body of students who see themselves as productive, healthy citizens with hope for the future.
Participating universities
UW–Madison
College jump-start courses (through Odyssey Beyond Bars)
UW-Green Bay
Associate of Arts and Sciences, General Studies; Bachelor of Arts, Organizational Leadership; college jump-start courses
UW-Eau Claire
Bachelor of Science, Professional Studies
UW-Milwaukee
Bachelor of Science, Community Engagement & Education
UW-Stout
Bachelor of Science, Leadership & Management
Community partners
In the news
Statewide prison education program aims to boost economy, reduce recidivism
Since launching in 2023 through Governor Evers’ Workforce Innovation Grant program, UW CHEP has helped 19 students earn an associate degree from UW-Green Bay.
UW-Stout: Collaborates on new bachelor’s degree program at Stanley Correctional Institution
Since UW CHEP launched in 2023, 19 students have earned associate degrees while more than 170 have earned micro-credentials, called digital badges, which demonstrate they have obtained workforce skills and progressed toward a degree.
Program helps incarcerated students earn UW degrees
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay awarded more than a thousand degrees this year, but 19 students stand out — all are prisoners.
UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout Launch Bachelor’s Degree Programs at Stanley Correctional Institution
This fall is one for the books as UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout, and not just on campus. The Chippewa Valley four-year universities have each kicked off their first semesters offering bachelor’s degree programs at Stanley Correctional Institution.
The newest student population for Wisconsin colleges to recruit? People behind bars
University of Wisconsin-Stout professor Jonathan Wheeler took stock of his students on the first day of class last winter. “How many of you have done the assigned reading?” he asked. Every single hand went up. A bit taken aback, Wheeler asked whether anyone had finished the whole chapter. He said most hands remained raised.
Education adds up in reentry
For the 15 people who in May exchanged their prison garb for graduation gowns at Oakhill Correctional Institution in the Dane County village of Oregon, a higher education initiative for willing Wisconsin inmates means they have a legitimate chance to join the workforce as they reenter the community.
Join our mailing list
Sign up to receive news and updates from the Division of Continuing Studies.
