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

Q: When is the deadline for MCHEP (Mississippi Consortium for Higher Education in Prison) - Mellon Foundation Grant?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

Listed by Woodward Hines Education Foundation

Foundation One-time Grants for Released Prisoners Grants for Education Grants for Criminal Justice

Funding Amount

$1,000,000

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: One-time opportunity
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Overview

MCHEP Mellon Foundation Grant

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

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.