Program Design & Delivery
Essential steps for establishing and managing a Higher Education in Prison (HEP) program
What does it take to design and deliver a degree program in prison?
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While HEP programs operate in much different environments than traditional university programs, they must meet the same standards. Therefore, HEP programs must receive both university approval and accreditation from the appropriate body during the program design process. This step also affects program funding, as students cannot receive federal funding, such as the Pell Grant, unless they are enrolled in an accredited PEP. Developing an HEP program requires consideration of many factors such as classroom space, funding, and professor availability. These elements must consistently be taken into account, through the initial process of identifying a degree offering as well as continuous class planning and scheduling. PEPs must account for specific processes that are inherent to the prison environment such as clearances, memos, and approvals. Clear procedures and advance planning are some of the best ways to mitigate these constraints and prepare for last minute shifts.