X
Your Privacy is Important To Us.

SUNY.edu uses simple cookies to help build a better website experience for our visitors. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.

Close Window

Higher Education in Prison

The Office of Higher Education in Prison (SUNY HEP) contributes to SUNY's mission of providing "the people of New York educational services of the highest quality, with the broadest possible access." At SUNY, we believe when justice-impacted individuals have access to rigorous, high-quality higher education in prison, followed by comprehensive reentry navigation and community-based supports, they are more likely to persist, graduate, gain stable employment, and positively influence their families and communities.

As of Spring 2026, Higher Education in Prison has:

14 icon
SUNY campuses participating

23 icon
State Prisons (plus 1 federal facility)

1000 icon
students annually educated

We envision a transformed New York State where incarceration does not limit opportunity, and where colleges and communities work together to support lifelong learning, economic mobility, and collective well-being.

Our Work

SUNY Higher Education in Prison graduates with Chancellor King.

Programs

Learn more about SUNY campus programs offered inside correctional facilities.

Males standing up and clapping

Re-entry Services

OHEP provides academic transition planning and case management using a statewide navigation model to support individuals being released. In addition, we accept community referrals of formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to enroll in SUNY post-release. 

African American female with arms crossed stands in front of a book shelf in a library.

Data & Research

Qualitative and quantitative research is conducted to drive the expansion and evaluation of high-quality programming, inform program delivery, and guide the office’s priorities. Our research supports building a comprehensive statewide system of higher education in prison, allowing us to identify opportunities for greater student success and continuity. 

African American male studies at a table.

Blog

The OHEP blog showcases stories, reflections, and perspectives from students, alumni, faculty, and fellows. It serves as a space to share experiences, highlight achievements, and offer insight into the role of higher education in prison in creating pathways to learning, growth, and opportunity.

A student in green graduation cap and gown speaks at a glass podium.

News & Events

OHEP Inaugural Student Symposium

June 24
9:30am-6:30pm
SUNY System Administration

OHEP Teaching in Prison Conference

October 19-21
SUNY Ulster Community College

The Light Is Yours

A behind the scenes look at SUNY’s Higher Education in Prison Program

“The Light Is Yours: Educational Justice for All through SUNY’s Higher Education in Prison Program,” tells the story of the transformative power of higher education in prison through interviews with students, graduates, teachers, administrators, and advocates.

Watch it now

Male students in the higher education in prison program run by SUNY Potsdam walk along a sidewalk during their graduation ceremony.

Our Team

SUNY HEP's work is guided by a team of dedicated professionals with diverse experiences and expertise in the fields of higher education in prison, public policy, research, community organizing, and human services.

  • Rachel Sander, Executive Director
  • Darryl Epps, Deputy Director
  • Jenifer Lee, Program Manager
  • Brendan Mapes, Data Analytics Development Manager
  • Cara Wohnsigl, Research and Data Associate
  • Douglas Matthews, Finance and Budget Manager
  • Jessica Soble, Fellowship and Alumni Coordinator
  • Erica Mason, Senior Academic re-entry Navigation Coordinator
  • Sara Vacin, Re-entry Navigation Coordinator-Western New York
  • Moshe Canty, Re-entry Navigation Coordinator-NYC
  • Jayna Betancourt, Re-entry Navigation Coordinator-Central New York
  • Samantha Pisano, Communications & Executive Coordinator