Changing the story through education, support, and advocacy.
What We Do
The Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) disrupts systems of harm and creates opportunities for autonomy and success through education, support, and advocacy with and for justice-impacted individuals.
Educational
Programs
Educational Programs
Since 2012, THEI has coordinated degree-granting college programs inside Tennessee prisons, through partnerships with the Tennessee Department of Corrections and Tennessee Colleges and Universities. Members of the THEI Education Programs (EP) team work “on the ground” with students and instructors to ensure high-quality educational programming.
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Housing
Networks
Housing Network
The THEI Housing Network consists of three supportive houses located throughout the metro Nashville region in Tennessee. Current and former THEI students can live in these homes comfortably without financial burden, all while pursuing their educational goals and receiving essential assistance and resources.
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TPCC
TPCC
In 2019, the Tennessee Prison College Coalition (TPCC) was launched for strategic and timely collaboration across state agencies, colleges and universities, and service providers to increase access and support for justice-impacted students pursuing higher education in and after prison, with an emphasis on ensuring program quality and equity.
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Navigating Forward
Navigating Forward
The Navigating Forward guide outlines, through written narrative and a detailed user-friendly directory, a collection of clear, digestible, and comprehensive college navigation materials designed specifically for incarcerated learners, with special consideration for the unique challenges and needs of Prison Education Program (PEP) students.
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Policy and Practice
Policy and Practice
In 2019, THEI formally launched the Policy & Practice portfolio of work, whose goal is to advocate for policy changes at the state and national level. The primary driver of this work is our commitment to centering the input and voices of currently incarcerated students and formerly incarcerated alumni.
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Transitional
Programs
Transitional Programs
The Transitional Programs portfolio disrupts systems of harm and creates opportunities for autonomy and success through providing non-academic support services for students, both pre- and post-release. This support addresses housing, employment, family reunification, mental health, and other critical needs.
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Policy & Practice
Where partners from across the state share best practices, standardize policies, and work together to advocate for change for justice-impacted students pursuing higher education in and after prison.
2024 Report
We’re proud to share THEI’s 2024 Impact Report, highlighting our work across Educational and Transitional Programs, and the impact of our Policies & Practices. This report features powerful stories from our students and alumni, along with key financial figures and insights into our strategic priorities for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Dive into the full report to see how higher education in prison is transforming lives and driving change.
Latest News
Stay informed about all of our events, highlights, and achievements.
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