Why prison education?

The New York University Prison Education Program (NYU PEP), founded in 2015, is a college-in-prison program that aims to expand access to higher education within communities impacted by the criminal justice system, to address inequities within our NYU community, and to model how a research university can advance solutions to real world problems.

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Our model :

Photo of group of students and faculty
College-In -Prison

We provide an A.A. Degree to people currently incarcerated    and support students’ continued education on campus post-release. 

Research team members presenting a panel with formerly incarcerated students
Research

A team of faculty and formerly incarcerated students conduct research on incarceration.

Two PEP students and Professor visiting the Tenement Museum
Bridge Program

We provide referrals for wellness & human services, mentorship, and have a robust network of public programming and student led initiatives. 

Our impact :

  • In the field of prison education
  • Reducing hyper-incarceration
  • Advancing ethical research
  • Leader on issues of educational justice
  • Hub of student life
Incarcerated people have earned transferable college credits.
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PEP students have participated in our Bridge Program on campus.
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College degrees earned (AA, BA, MA) through PEP .
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What do our students say?...

Will, current student at Wallkill Correctional Facility

Will, Current A.A. Student

NYU PEP Wallkill Correctional Facility

Miles, A.A. Liberal Studies

NYU SPS Class of 2020

Miles, a graduate of Prison Education Program