Statements
Mission
Tennessee Higher Education Initiative disrupts systems of harm and creates opportunities for autonomy and success through education, support, and advocacy with and for justice impacted individuals.
Background
Since our founding in 2012, the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) has been dedicated to transforming lives through education by providing high-quality degree-granting college programs in Tennessee prisons. We believe every individual deserves the chance to reclaim their humanity and thrive. Our holistic support empowers incarcerated scholars as they pursue associate and bachelor's degrees, ensuring they are prepared not only for academic success but also for a seamless transition back into their communities.
Partnering with Belmont University, Lane College, Nashville State Community College, and Dyersburg State Community College, we coordinate educational programs in six Tennessee prisons. Our Re-entry Team collaborates with students for at least a year before their release, crafting personalized plans that address their unique needs and aspirations. This support continues post-release, offering wraparound services, resources, and professional development that enable our students and alumni to navigate their new lives with confidence.
Our Guiding Principles
At THEI, we are advocates for liberation and healing, deeply committed to harm reduction and empowerment. We center the lived experiences of those we serve, recognizing that our impact lies in personal connections and tailored support. By confronting systemic injustices that have marginalized communities, we work toward a more equitable future where every individual is valued and given the tools to succeed. Through education, we strive not only for individual transformation but also for broader social change, affirming that education is a fundamental human right.
Our Core Values & Approach
Relational: THEI supports people to overcome the collateral consequences of incarceration through high touch, high quality individualized and relational support, which honors each person's inherent value
Connected: Influence key levers for change by strengthening and expanding key partnerships
Transformative: Expand access to information, opportunities and resources for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, for self determination and success
Culture & Community-Focused: Build and model uncommon culture where people are valued, caring for one another is prioritized, abundance is realized, and people experience belonging and community
Excellent: Share THEI's values, model, and success with others and uplift high standards for higher education in prison and reentry programs
Impact
Since its inception, THEI has proudly enrolled over 300 students in degree-granting college programs, with 174 graduates earning their associate or bachelor's degrees while incarcerated. These achievements are not just numbers; they represent profound transformations in lives that have been impacted by education.
In the 2023-2024 fiscal year alone, we provided logistical and course support for 103 college courses, delivered academic assistance to 203 students, and offered re-entry support to 184 formerly incarcerated individuals. The impact of our work resonates deeply, as demonstrated by the powerful stories of our alumni who have experienced firsthand the life-changing potential of education in prison.
Our commitment to reducing recidivism is evident in the results: the recidivism rate for those who enroll in multiple semesters of college with THEI is less than 15%, and remarkably, zero graduates have returned to prison. Furthermore, our students consistently excel academically, boasting an average GPA of 3.5-often a full point higher than that of traditional students at our partner colleges. This remarkable success underscores the dedication of our scholars, their relentless pursuit of educational opportunities, and their resilience in overcoming challenges.
Needs
To sustain and enhance our impactful programming, THEI welcomes financial donations that directly support our mission. We also seek in-kind contributions, particularly school supplies, classroom materials, and housing furniture, which are essential for our students' success and our Housing Network.
As we look ahead to 2025, THEI is poised to expand our support services for college programs in prisons across Tennessee. To ensure this expansion upholds the high standards of excellence that define our organization, we need robust support from our community. These contributions will not only help us meet the growing demand for educational opportunities but also reinforce our commitment to delivering quality services that empower justice-impacted individuals on their journey toward autonomy and success.
Service Categories |
|
| Primary Category: | Education - Higher Education |
| Secondary Category: | Crime & Legal - Related - Correctional Facilities |
| Tertiary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Alliances & Advocacy |
Areas Served
THEI serves six prisons strategically located in the western and middle regions of Tennessee, specifically in Davidson and Hickman counties in Middle Tennessee and Lake County in West Tennessee. Our reach extends statewide, as the incarcerated students we support hail from diverse counties across Tennessee, all with the intention of returning home. This underscores our commitment to creating educational opportunities that uplift entire communities throughout the state.
| TN |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Hickman |
