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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 in educational equity for incarcerated New Yorkers and work to achieve fair and inclusive access for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons to quality higher education programs during incarceration and upon release into the community.
As of Spring 2024, SUNY has 14 campuses currently offering SUNY degrees in 23 state prisons and one federal facility, serving 1,000 students each year, making SUNY the largest education provider in the state.
With robust community and nonprofit partnerships supporting our work, and strong relationships with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, The City University of New York, and other college campuses, SUNY aims to create and strengthen pathways that expand educational opportunities for students inside correctional facilities as well as those returning to their communities.
In the 2024-2025 academic year, pending Pell application approval, SUNY campuses will build even more programs across the state. This anticipated expansion will bring SUNY’s presence in higher education in prison programs up to 22 campuses offering degrees in 30 state prison facilities.
Our Vision
Our vision is to ensure all incarcerated New Yorkers have equitable access to higher education during their incarceration and after their release. Read more about SUNY's Vision of Educational Equity for Incarcerated New Yorkers.
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News, Publications, and Resources
2023 Data Report: Participation and Outcomes in SUNY College in Prison Programs
This research funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation assesses incarcerated and formerly incarcerated SUNY student access, participation, completion, and other metrics of student success, allowing us to identify challenges and opportunities within programs and across the state.
Perspectives of Higher Education in Prison Blog Series
At SUNY, we champion the power of education to change lives. Our “Perspectives on Higher Education in Prison” series amplifies the voices and experiences of those directly involved in these transformative programs. Explore firsthand accounts from formerly incarcerated students, dedicated faculty, program leaders, and family members, all integral to the success of higher education within prison walls.
Fall 2024 SUNY HEP Student Newsletter
Our annual student newsletter is a way for our office to connect with all incarcerated SUNY students across the state. As our work grows, it’s critical to provide students with information and resources about the broader community of support across SUNY.
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
- Klarisse Torriente, Assistant Director of Re-Entry and Special Projects
- Dr. Thomas Gais, Senior Researcher and Provost Fellow
- Rebecca Grace, Director of Academic Project Management and Strategic Analysis
- Douglas Matthews, Operations and Communications Coordinator
- Erica Mason, Re-entry Navigation Coordinator
- Samantha Pisano, Communications Assistant