Women’s College Partnership Graduates First Class with Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees
Eighteen incarcerated women at Indiana Women’s Prison have become the first graduates of The Women’s College Partnership (WCP), a collaboration between Marian University and the University of Notre Dame. Thirteen of the women received their Associate of Arts degrees and five obtained their Bachelor of Arts degrees from Marian University.
The Women’s College Partnership was established in January 2019 as a joint effort between Marian University and staff at Indiana Women’s Prison, with the support of the Notre Dame Programs for Education in Prison (NDPEP). This unique program offers a liberal arts education to incarcerated women, empowering them with the opportunity to pursue higher education while serving time.
Marian University confers degrees on participating students, while Notre Dame Programs for Education in Prison administers and supports the partnership. As a member of the Consortium for Liberal Arts in Prison, run by Bard Prison Initiative (BPI), the Women’s College Partnership aligns with other innovative educational programs in correctional facilities.
In July 2022, the day-to-day operations of the Women’s College Partnership were transferred from BPI to the University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame, in collaboration with Holy Cross College, has been successfully providing liberal arts education to incarcerated students since 2012 through the Moreau College Initiative at Westville Correctional Facility.
The inaugural class of the Women’s College Partnership consisted of 16 students. Moving forward, the academic year 2023-2024 will see 45 incarcerated women attending credit-bearing courses toward their associate and bachelor’s degrees. Marian University is responsible for granting college credits and degrees, ensuring that the academic rigor and quality of education provided meet the institution’s standards.
The Women’s College Partnership not only focuses on education but also provides alumni and reentry support to its students. This comprehensive approach aims to facilitate successful reintegration into society after incarceration, ultimately reducing recidivism rates.
The headquarters of the Women’s College Partnership is located on the second floor of the Steffen Music Center on Marian University’s campus. This physical presence reinforces the program’s commitment to empowering incarcerated women through education and creating a supportive learning environment.
The inaugural commencement ceremony of the Women’s College Partnership marked a milestone for the initiative and celebrated the achievements of the thirteen graduates who received their Associate of Arts degrees and the five graduates who earned their Bachelor of Arts degrees from Marian University. This accomplishment represents the resilience and determination of these women as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.
The Women’s College Partnership exemplifies the transformative power of education, breaking down barriers and offering hope for a brighter future. By expanding access to higher education within correctional institutions, this collaborative program empowers incarcerated women, enhances their personal and academic growth, and provides them with the tools necessary to rebuild their lives upon release.
The success of the Women’s College Partnership serves as a testament to the immense potential within individuals, regardless of their circumstances. It highlights the significance of investing in education as a means of rehabilitation, positively impacting not only the lives of the incarcerated women but also their families and communities.
As the Women’s College Partnership continues to grow and empower more incarcerated women through education, it reinforces the belief that everyone deserves a second chance and that education is a powerful catalyst for social change. The dedication and passion shown by all those involved in the program inspire hope for a more inclusive and equitable society, where access to education is truly transformative.
