First Year Home: The Reentry Experiences of Higher Education in Prison Participants

This study aimed to explore the reentry experiences of higher education in prison (HEP) program participants. Qualitative data suggest that HEP program participants are highly motivated to continue their education at reentry, especially when they have wraparound support to do so. Data also suggest that individuals who engage in HEP programming are well connected to a comprehensive support structure that consists of HEP staff, campus faculty/staff, family, community-based organizations, and formerly incarcerated peers that address a host of reentry needs. Despite the access to campus and community resources, participants still experienced barriers during their first-year of community reentry.