How Marian University's Women's College Partnership Expands Access to Higher Education

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Marian University's Women's College Partnership (WCP) is expanding access to higher education by bringing accredited associate and bachelor's degree programs directly into Indiana correctional facilities. Rooted in the Franciscan values of dignity, peace, justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship, the program provides incarcerated women with opportunities for academic achievement, personal growth, and preparation for successful reentry into society. [https://www.marian.edu/]

Access to higher education has long been considered an important support mechanism for individuals preparing for life beyond prison. Through the Women's College Partnership, Marian University serves as the primary academic campus within Indiana Women's Prison, offering fully accredited liberal arts degree programs that mirror the academic standards and expectations found on Marian University's traditional campus.

Founded in 2019, the program began with a cohort of 16 students pursuing associate and bachelor's degree pathways. Since then, enrollment has grown to more than 60 students. In 2024, the program expanded to Rockville Correctional Facility, broadening access to higher education opportunities for incarcerated women across Indiana.

Students enrolled in the Women's College Partnership participate as full-time learners and complete rigorous coursework designed to promote intellectual growth, accountability, and academic progression. In addition to classroom instruction, students engage in guided study halls, wellness workshops, career development sessions, and student organizations that help foster confidence, leadership skills, and personal development.

A defining feature of the Women's College Partnership is its commitment to removing financial barriers to education. The program is offered at no cost to students or the Indiana Department of Correction, allowing incarcerated women to pursue accredited degrees while developing the skills and knowledge necessary for future success.

Marian University developed the Women's College Partnership in collaboration with the Bard Prison Initiative to expand access to higher education in prison settings. Through participation in the Bard Prison Initiative consortium, the university continues to strengthen its academic model while contributing to broader efforts focused on expanding access to liberal arts education within correctional facilities.

The program's educational framework extends beyond academic instruction alone. Through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, students cultivate critical thinking, communication, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and ethical reasoning skills. This mission-centered approach reflects Marian University's commitment to affirming the inherent dignity of every individual while supporting personal growth and community engagement.

Support for students continues beyond graduation. The Women's College Partnership incorporates structured reentry resources, career development opportunities, advising, and continued educational pathways that help alumnae prepare for life after release. Participants may continue their studies at Marian University's main campus or apply their education and experience as they reconnect with their communities.

"For many women in prison, a college education is a second chance to put their future on a firm foundation, and we support that," said Justin McDevitt, Program Director. "For others, though, college was never truly an option before, so this is really a first chance to access the same pathway that many of us take for granted. Whatever the motivation, earning a college degree in prison is one of the most powerful interventions possible before release."

The impact of higher education in prison extends beyond individual students. According to data cited by NASPA, incarcerated individuals who earn an associate degree while incarcerated have a recidivism rate of 15%, while those who earn a bachelor's degree have a recidivism rate of 5%. These outcomes highlight the important role education can play in supporting long-term success after incarceration.

As the Women's College Partnership continues to broaden access to college programs for incarcerated women, Marian University is demonstrating what is possible when higher education institutions commit to expanding opportunity through education, dignity, and responsible stewardship. Learn more about Marian University's academic programs and mission at Marian University. [https://www.marian.edu/academics/programs/]

Media Contact:
Justin McDevitt, Program Director - Women's College Partnership at Indiana Women's Prison
Office of the Provost
Steffen Music Center
Phone: (317) 955-6032
Email: jmcdevitt@marian.edu
3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Oldenburg Hall, Room 224

About Marian University
Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana, serving more than 5,100 students, including 4,000 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate students. The university offers degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. Founded by Sister Theresa Hackelmeier and the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, the institution traces its roots to a school established in Oldenburg, Indiana, in 1851. It became Marian College in 1936, relocated to Indianapolis in 1937, and was renamed Marian University in 2009. Guided by Franciscan sponsorship values of dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship, Marian University welcomes students of all faiths and is committed to educating and forming transformative leaders for service to the world.

This release was published on openPR.