College in Prison Program
A Partnership between Tulane SoPA and Operation Restoration
In partnership with Operation Restoration (OR), Tulane's School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) offers the opportunity for women incarcerated at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW) to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. Tulane SoPA provides academic oversight, advising, and administers the curriculum. Operation Restoration offers operational support and wraparound services to the students both during their incarceration and after their release.
Empowering Incarcerated Women Through Education
At Tulane SoPA, we believe that education can transform lives, regardless of circumstance. That’s why we’ve partnered with Operation Restoration to offer a Bachelor of Arts degree to incarcerated women through the College-in-Prison Program at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW). This program opens doors to higher education and paves the way for brighter futures beyond incarceration.
What Is the College-in-Prison Program?
The College-in-Prison Program provides incarcerated women at LCIW with the opportunity to earn college credits, learn valuable skills, and work toward degree completion, all while serving their sentences. In partnership with Operation Restoration, Tulane SoPA offers a wide range of courses designed to empower students academically and professionally. Our program is not just about teaching; it’s about creating lasting change by fostering personal growth, self-reliance, and a path to meaningful employment upon release.
Why Is This Program Beneficial?
Addressing Gender Inequities: Since 1980, women are the fastest growing carceral population, increasing at nearly double the rate of men. Yet, studies suggest that incarcerated women receive significantly less educational opportunities compared to men. The College-in-Prison program helps to address the gender education gap that exists within prisons by providing incarcerated women with access to high-quality undergraduate education.
Educational Empowerment: Education is one of the most powerful tools for reducing recidivism. By equipping incarcerated women with college-level knowledge and skills, we give them the tools they need to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society after their release.
Breaking the Cycle of Incarceration: Studies show that individuals who pursue education while incarcerated are significantly less likely to return to prison. This program provides a second chance for women to create a new path for themselves and their families.
Career Opportunities: In today’s job market, having a college degree opens doors to more stable and higher-paying employment. The courses offered through the College-in-Prison Program give incarcerated women the education needed to compete in the workforce post-release, increasing their chances of securing meaningful employment.
Holistic Support: Operation Restoration ensures that students receive wrap-around services during their time in the program and after they are released, including mentorship, job placement assistance, and emotional support.
Why Tulane’s Involvement Matters
Tulane SoPA is committed to serving the community, and the College-in-Prison Program aligns with our mission of offering high quality education programs to a diverse student population, fostering equity, and opportunity for all. By contributing to this program, Tulane SoPA extends its reach beyond traditional classrooms, bringing academic expertise and support to a population that is often overlooked.
Our role in providing curriculum, academic oversight, admissions, and operational support ensures that incarcerated women receive the same high-quality education as their peers on campus. By investing in their success, we are not only improving their lives but also uplifting our broader community.
Through this partnership with OR, Tulane SoPA is actively shaping a more just and inclusive society, where all individuals—regardless of their past—have the opportunity to succeed.
