MCHEP (Mississippi Consortium for Higher Education in Prison) - Mellon Foundation Grant

MCHEP Mellon Foundation Grant

Funder: Mellon Foundation (granted to Woodward Hines Education Foundation)

Amount: $1,000,000

Duration: Three-year grant

Geographic Scope: Mississippi

Focus Areas:

Higher education in prison for justice-impacted learners

Strengthening collaboration among Mississippi's community colleges, universities, state agencies, and reentry partners

Expanding academic and student support services in prison education programs

Building sustainable infrastructure for higher education in prison across the state

What It Funds:

Coordination and collaboration among colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies

Academic and student success initiatives including:

- Peer learning and faculty support
- Improved access to instructional resources
- College and career advising
- Planning and training for institutions and correctional facilities to align policies and practices supporting student success during incarceration and after release

Expansion of postsecondary education opportunities for incarcerated students

Professional development for educators and institutional partners

Background: The Mississippi Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (MCHEP) is a statewide collaborative housed at WHEF dedicated to expanding, strengthening, and coordinating postsecondary education opportunities for incarcerated students. It brings together community colleges, four-year institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies to promote high-quality instruction and student support. The grant builds on prior planning and implementation efforts and positions MCHEP to continue growing as a model for statewide collaboration.

Contact Information:

Yolanda Houston, Director of MCHEP

Woodward Hines Education Foundation

2616 Lakeward Drive, Jackson, MS 39216

(601) 321-5555

Research Impact: Studies show participation in higher education programs significantly reduces recidivism and improves employment outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals. Incarcerated adults who participate in postsecondary education are substantially less likely to return to prison and more likely to contribute positively to families and communities.