LEAVENWORTH — The University of Saint Mary (USM) here is now the only institution in the country offering fully in-person prison education degree programming across state, federal and military correctional facilities.
In February, USM received final authorization from the U.S. Department of Education to continue operating its Prison Education Program at two additional correctional facilities, expanding its approval to three fully accredited locations.
With this authorization, USM now operates federally approved programs at Lansing Correctional Facility, the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks and the Federal Correctional Institution, Leavenworth.
“This approval represents a significant milestone for the University of Saint Mary and for the students we serve,” said Michelle Workman, Prison Education Program director. “Our commitment is to provide high-quality, in-person, higher education that meets students where they are and supports degree completion.”
Saint Mary began offering programming under the Second Chance Pell initiative and, following the restoration of Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students, successfully completed the Department of Education’s Prison Education Program approval process for all three sites.
USM offers associate and bachelor’s degree pathways for incarcerated students as they serve their sentences. Courses are delivered in person by USM faculty, maintaining the same academic standards, curriculum and institutional oversight as all USM programs.
