Correctional education and the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program at Washburn University provide educational opportunities to students who are incarcerated. Correctional education includes about 75 students at Topeka Correctional Facility pursuing associate's or bachelor’s degrees.
Inside-Out brings together campus-based students with incarcerated students for a semester-long course held at a prison for a transformational educational experience. Our university has a long-standing mission to serve all people, embodying a commitment to equity and inclusivity that extends beyond traditional classrooms. By supporting correctional education and Inside-Out, donors are helping fulfill this historical mission in a meaningful way.
The opportunity for an incarcerated student to earn a degree or gain new skills can open doors to employment, rebuild family connections and foster a sense of purpose and dignity. Education has the power to reshape lives, and for incarcerated students, it can be a pivotal factor in breaking the cycle of recidivism. Studies consistently show that individuals who participate in educational programs while incarcerated are significantly less likely to reoffend, leading to safer communities and reduced costs associated with repeated incarceration.
Donations to this fund will provide scholarships to students who are incarcerated and do not qualify for other financial aid, scholarships to students recently released from our correctional education programs at Topeka Correctional Facility so that they may complete their degrees at Washburn and other general program support and materials like school supplies and books.
But your donation does more than provide scholarships and books; it provides hope and a path to a better future for those who are often left without options. It acknowledges the potential in every individual and promotes a culture of second chances. Supporting these programs not only transforms the lives of students behind bars but also strengthens our society. It creates a ripple effect, where one person’s educational success can lead to positive change for families, communities and generations to come.
Donations to this project will support the Inside Out Prison Exchange Program Fund.
Forever Washburn Campaign Pillar: Teaching and Program Excellence