Prison Education Initiative
Expanding access. Empowering lives.
The Prison Education Initiative (PEI) at University of Idaho is a comprehensive educational program, nonprofit designation and student internship opportunity dedicated to serving incarcerated learners across Idaho.
Through accredited degree pathways, opportunities to engage in community events and academic support services, PEI empowers students at the Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino, Idaho State Correctional Center and Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center to pursue higher education and build brighter futures.
By connecting incarcerated students with university courses and resources, PEI advances the university’s land-grant mission of access, outreach and social transformation — changing lives within and beyond prison walls.
Degree programs for incarcerated students
PEI currently offers three University of Idaho bachelor’s degrees designed to meet the needs and goals of incarcerated learners:
- Communication, B.S.
Prepares students for careers in public relations, sales, human resources, social services and community advocacy. - General Studies, B.G.S.
A flexible interdisciplinary degree ideal for students pursuing law school, graduate studies, business or nonprofit careers. - Organizational Sciences, B.S.
Explores how organizations operate and impact society, drawing from multiple fields including sociology, communication and leadership studies.
These programs provide practical skills and enhance critical thinking abilities, providing further pathways for personal and professional development.
Why prison education matters
Research highlights the life-changing impact of higher education in prison:
- Incarcerated individuals who participate in education programs are 48% less likely to return to prison (Vera Institute of Justice).
- Graduates are more likely to find stable employment and earn higher wages after release (Prison Policy Initiative).
- Education promotes public safety, strengthens families and builds healthier communities (Vera Institute of Justice).
Through PEI, higher education becomes a bridge to hope, opportunity and transformation.
PEI internships for non-incarcerated students
PEI offers flexible, for-credit internship opportunities for University of Idaho undergraduates passionate about social justice, education, public service or nonprofit leadership.
Interns support the program through:
- Planning community outreach initiatives, such as guest speaker events and reentry simulations.
- Building and revising resources for incarcerated learners.
- Coordinating Beyond the Wire, PEI's annual art show.
- Support student-centered initiatives, including creative works, celebrations and commencement.
Internships are tailored to student interests and available across fall, spring and summer semesters.
For over a decade, I had daydreamed about getting out of prison and going back to college. While I still live in prison, I am now attending college — and it is a dream come true. When I do finally leave prison, I will do it with a college degree, far more prepared to restart my life.
— PEI Participant
Beyond the Wire
Beyond the Wire is PEI’s signature community art event, hosted in collaboration with Moscow Contemporary. The three week-long showcase features original artwork by incarcerated artists across Idaho and raises funds for the Prison Education Initiative Fund, which provides textbooks and learning materials to incarcerated students.
Highlights of the event include:
- Art exhibitions open to the public
- Guest speakers from the Idaho Department of Corrections, University of Idaho and formerly incarcerated advocates
- Opportunities to support prison education initiatives through donations and awareness campaigns
The inaugural 2023 event sparked community-wide dialogue around the power of education and creativity behind prison walls. Future Beyond the Wire events will continue to spotlight the resilience, talent and stories of incarcerated learners.
Previous exhibits
Outreach and community engagement
PEI builds bridges between the university, the community and incarcerated students through a wide range of outreach activities.
Guest speaker series
Each semester, PEI hosts guest speakers, including currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, who discuss prison reform, reentry challenges and educational equity.
Reentry simulations
PEI organizes reentry simulations to help students, faculty and community members understand the systemic barriers faced by people returning to society after incarceration. Participants navigate tasks like securing housing, employment and legal documentation while facing realistic obstacles.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the Prison Education Initiative (PEI)?
PEI is a University of Idaho program that delivers accredited degree programs and learning support to incarcerated students across Idaho.
Which facilities does PEI serve?
- Idaho Correctional Institution – Orofino (ICIO)
- Idaho State Correctional Center (ISCC)
- Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center (PWCC)
How is PEI funded?
PEI is supported by a combination of university resources, Pell Grants through the U.S. Department of Education, private donations and the nonprofit PEI Fund.
How do incarcerated students apply?
Applications are coordinated through prison educators at the Robert Janss School within each facility. PEI staff work directly with applicants to guide them through the process.
How can I support PEI?
You can donate to the PEI Fund, attend PEI events like Beyond the Wire, or spread the word about the impact of prison education.
Accredited Prison Education Program (PEP)
The Prison Education Initiative (PEI) is a federally accredited Prison Education Program (PEP). As a PEP program, PEI students are qualified for federal funding, including Pell Grants. PEP qualification also ensures that incarcerated students receive the same quality education, opportunities and advancements that U of I offers on traditional college campuses.
Our mission
PEI envisions a world where education is a right, not a privilege — and where incarcerated individuals can build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. Every course taught, every internship completed and every piece of art shared through PEI contributes to a future rooted in dignity, opportunity and hope.
Have questions?
We’re here to support your engagement with the Prison Education Initiative.
Program coordinator contact information:
Omi Hodwitz
Associate professor
Phinney Hall 318
208-885-2976
omi@uidaho.edu