(Leavenworth, Kansas) – The University of Saint Mary 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 United States 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,” Prison Education Program Director Michelle Workman
said. “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.
Students who are released before completing their degrees have the opportunity to
continue their studies seamlessly, ensuring continuity toward graduation and workforce
readiness.
“The expansion reflects USM’s mission-driven commitment to educational access, human
dignity, and restorative opportunity,” Workman said. “By providing structured degree
pathways inside correctional facilities, the program supports academic achievement,
personal development, and preparation for successful reentry.”
The University of Saint Mary is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university
founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of
Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM-Johnson
County, at 11221 Roe Ave., offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion
programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.