Student Support

Drawing on the experiences of the first group of Second Chance Pell colleges, this toolkit, drafted in collaboration with the Chemeketa Community College, is designed to aid new and existing participants as they guide students through the complexities of filing for federal financial aid in prison, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA.

This webinar explores the key components, challenges, and possible solutions to delivering high-quality academic advising, specifically for students enrolled in postsecondary education in prison programs. Panelists share how their institutions provide counseling services and academic advising in order to support student success in carceral settings.

This webinar asks justice-impacted college graduates to reflect on their educational experience – the challenges encountered as they worked toward earning their degrees, the services they found helpful, and what the future of college-in-prison programming should look like.

This webinar showcases the work of several prison-based education programs to develop student advisory boards in prison, establish reentry navigators on college campuses, and collaborate with formerly incarcerated people within student-led and other community-based organizations that support current students.

This webinar showcases the work of several prison-based education programs to develop student advisory boards in prison, establish reentry navigators on college campuses, and collaborate with formerly incarcerated people within student-led and other community-based organizations that support current students.

This webinar showcases the work of several prison-based education programs to develop student advisory boards in prison, establish reentry navigators on college campuses, and collaborate with formerly incarcerated people within student-led and other community-based organizations that support current students.

An interview with Dr. Jenifer K. Montag, director of disability services at Marion Technical College, about her work as a researcher-practitioner, the challenges of providing disability services to postsecondary students in prison, and what needs to change for equitable access to education inside.

On September 29, 2023, Ithaka S+R hosted a webinar, “Pell 101: Information for Librarians and Those Serving People in Prison,” to share information about the restoration of Pell funding for students who are incarcerated. Panelists included prison education journalist and Open Campus reporter Charlotte West, Vera Institute of Justice Associate Initiative Director Ruth Delaney, and NASFAA Education Specialist Sheila Meiman. The webinar recording, along with additional resources, are shared here.

On September 29, 2023, Ithaka S+R hosted a webinar, “Pell 101: Information for Librarians and Those Serving People in Prison,” to share information about the restoration of Pell funding for students who are incarcerated. Panelists included prison education journalist and Open Campus reporter Charlotte West, Vera Institute of Justice Associate Initiative Director Ruth Delaney, and NASFAA Education Specialist Sheila Meiman. The webinar recording, along with additional resources, are shared here.

Graduated Justice is a monthly podcast that features conversations with individuals from the higher education in prison community, brought to you by Tennessee Higher Education Initiative. We strive to find opportunities for autonomy and success within these conversations.