Educational Programs
THEI coordinates on-site degree-granting college programs, leading to associate and bachelor’s degrees, for incarcerated individuals in Tennessee prisons. THEI provides hands-on academic support for students and technical assistance support for higher education in prison partners.
Members of the THEI Education Programs (EP) team work “on the ground” with students and instructors to ensure high-quality educational programming by facilitating communication between stakeholders and students, providing essential materials and resources to students, addressing student needs and barriers, offering technical assistance and training for stakeholders and partners, and providing opportunities for student engagement, leadership, community-building, and skill-building.
THEI partners with the Tennessee Board of Regions (TBR) and Tennessee Correctional Education Investment (CEI) to provide on-site student support and program coordination for six associate degree programs and two bachelor degree programs through four college partners at six prison sites in Tennessee.
Our Approach to Student Engagement
Step
#1
College On-Ramps
Enrollment begins with an information session, followed by College Prep, a series of workshops on habits of mind that help prepare prospective students for the experience of being a college student in the prison setting.
Step
#2
Course Coordination
THEI partners with colleges and prisons to coordinate in-person and online courses, meeting weekly with students to provide essential support. We empower students to make informed educational decisions despite limited access to communication and technology.
Step
#3
Extracurricular Learning
THEI facilitates enrichment opportunities, like creative writing, student council, career exploration workshops and financial literacy, which enhance learning and promote self-exploration and possibilities.
Step
#4
Celebrating Achievements
THEI celebrates student achievements through start-of-semester kickoffs, end-of-semester gatherings, and on-site graduation ceremonies with the graduates’ families that honor our students’ transformative journeys.