The UW–Madison Prison Education Initiative (PEI), led by the Division of Continuing Studies, gives learners who are incarcerated in Wisconsin state prisons the opportunity to reframe their futures through higher education.
Students who take college courses while in prison are more likely to be successful when they return to our communities and less likely to return to prison.
The PEI coordinates and supports UW–Madison’s educational programs in seven Wisconsin state prisons and associated research.
The PEI connects efforts across UW–Madison and Universities of Wisconsin to create collaborative UW degree and certificate programs, supported by grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Ascendium Education Group.
Odyssey Beyond Bars (OBB) has offered English 100 as a college jump-start course to students in Wisconsin prisons since 2019. UW–Madison also offers noncredit enrichment courses through OBB and the Wisconsin Prison Humanities Project, encouraging and preparing students to pursue higher education.
The Prison Education Initiative offers wraparound support to students before, during and after their enrollment in UW–Madison courses. This support includes tutoring and academic and career advising to help students on their individual paths to success.
Researchers in the School of Education and School of Medicine and Public Health, supported by the PEI, are measuring the impacts of prison-based education. The data they collect are helping the Prison Education Initiative expand and improve educational opportunities for our students in prison.
PEI-supported programming is currently offered at Columbia Correctional Institution, Green Bay Correctional Institution, Oakhill Correctional Institution, Oshkosh Correctional Institution, Racine Correctional Institution, Stanley Correctional Institution, and Taycheedah Correctional Institution. The PEI does not offer correspondence courses or online coursework at other institutions.
Students enroll in various associate and Bachelor degree programs—as well as individual jumpstart courses—delivered by UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison, and UW-Stout.
In addition to in-person instruction, the PEI provides a broad spectrum of academic assistance to students, face-to-face inside the prisons. Supports include tutoring, financial aid and academic advising, one-on-one mentoring, reentry planning to help students prepare for transition back into the community and alumni support after students return home. This robust wraparound support is inspired by the whole-student approach of the UW Odyssey Project, which has helped adult students living in poverty transform their lives through higher education since 2003.
The Prison Education Initiative programs 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.
The PEI supports needed and important research on pedagogical approaches and learning outcomes as well as the impacts of college education on the mental health of incarcerated learners. This research will help UW–Madison and other colleges offer more effective programs in the prisons.
The PEI is leading the UW Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (UW CHEP), 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, connect alumni with workforce opportunities, and more. Participating members include UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Stout.
The UW–Madison Prison Education Initiative (PEI) Fund supports the expansion of college courses and degree programs in Wisconsin prisons, providing incarcerated learners the opportunity to reframe their futures through higher education. Donate today to support motivated learners throughout the state.
June 11, 2026 in News Prison Education Initiative
UW and the DOC partner to award historic bachelor’s degrees to incarcerated learners, reducing recidivism and building a skilled workforce for Wisconsin.
September 2, 2025 in Division of Continuing Studies News Prison Education Initiative
The prison education program, involving UW-Madison and other UWs, provides degrees and skills training to boost the economy, reduce recidivism, and build brighter futures.
Sign up to receive news and updates from the Division of Continuing Studies.
