IMPACT REPORT
Messages from THEI Leadership
Dear THEI Supporters,
Reflecting on our organization's year, the word that comes to mind is Growth. As our organization grows, our students grow with us. I’d like to highlight a few of our alumni who are breaking barriers and emerging as leaders in our community.
Edward Jones and Omari Booker recently participated in a Candid Conversation at Horizons for Jobs For the Future. Mary McCrary’s inspiring story made national news as she attends Princeton University this semester. These alumni embody the growth mindset of our organization.
At THEI, we foster hope in our students, many of whom may have once felt devoid of it. Our mission is to help the individuals we serve grow in all aspects as they strive to gain their education while incarcerated and beyond. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of our students and our community.
Jared Campbell Board Chair, THEI
IampeacockproudandhyenahappytosharetheTennesseeHigherEducationInitiative’s(THEI) AnnualImpactReportwithyou.Asour2023-2024fiscalyearcametoacloseinJune,Isatindeep reflection,completelyoverwhelmedandoverjoyedwiththeimpactofourwork. Isatandcontinueto sitwithallwehaveaccomplished,withhowfarwe’vecome,withthemanyopportunitiespresentedto expandthereachofourrestorativework,withnewpartnershipsforged,withgrowingfinancial resourcesandwithadeepandabidingknowledgethatallthethings,theeasythingsandthevery hardthings,havemovedusclosertogettingmorepeoplefreethroughthetransformativeand liberativepowerofeducation.
As you read through THEI’s Impact Report, you will see we have codified our Core Values, Theory of Change, and Strategic Priorities after a year-long process of gathering feedback from current students, alumni, staff, key partners, staff, funders, and community members. The results have allowed us to gain a comprehensive perspective of our work over the last decade and to more clearly envision what the next iteration of our work will entail. As you read, I hope two things transpire: you gain a greater understanding of the phenomenally multi-faceted, barrier-breaking, opportunity-creating work THEI leads, and you ask yourself, what role can I play in the organization’s work moving forward?
AsIclose,IwouldberemissifIdidnotacknowledge thecurrentlyandformerlyincarceratedstudentsand alumniwehavetheprivilegeofservingwhoteachus dailylessonsaboutgrace,restoration,andresilience. Additionally,IwanttorecognizetheincredibleTHEI BoardofDirectors,whoroutinelysetanexampleof governingwithengagementandsupport.Lastly,but certainlynotleast,Imustacknowledgethe incredible THEIstaff,staffparexcellence.Thisteam worksstrategically,planseffectively,delivers impeccably,andcaresdeeply;wewouldnotbethe organizationwearewithoutthem.
Laura Ferguson Mimms, EdD Executive Director, THEI
Our Mission
Theory of Change
The Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) disrupts systems of harm and creates opportunities for autonomy and success through education, support, and advocacy with and for justice-impacted individuals.
Our Approach & Values
Works to mitigate the effects of incarceration
Leverages collaboration and strategic partnerships
Provides high touch, high quality individualized support
Our Strategies
Educational Programs
THEI coordinates on-site degreegranting college programs leading to associate and bachelor's degrees, for incarcerated individuals in Tennessee prisons. THEI provides hands-on academic support for students and technical assistance support for higher education in prison partners.
Uplifts and upholds a high standard
Works to build an uncommon culture where all stakeholders are valued
Transitional Programs
THEI creates opportunities for autonomy and success through pre and post-release wraparound reentry services. THEI’s support extends beyond education, to address housing, employment, family reunification, mental health, and other critical needs.
Policy & Practice
THEI advocates with and for justice impacted students at the state and federal levels. THEI also works closely with state agencies and community partners to drive a statewide strategy for ensuring equity and excellence in Tennessee’s higher education in prison programs.
Our Outcomes
Among Justice Impacted People
The number of people earning college credentials is increased
The number of people enrolled in postsecondary education programs and receiving opportunities for essential skill-building is increased
The number of postsecondary, non-vocational degreegranting programs in TN prisons is increased
The diversity of professional career trajectories is increased
Individuals experience belonging, community care, and feeling valued
Life satisfaction increases Collateral consequences of incarceration are mitigated
Social safety nets are expanded, affording more resilience to hardship
The number of people recidivating is reduced
ARE ACHIEVED ACROSS THREE SPHERES
Among State and System Partners Among CBOs and Communities
More resources are allocated for high quality higher education in prisons
More resources are allocated for high quality reentry support Key roadblocks to expanding equity and access for justice impacted people are identified Policies in opposition to the liberative and transformative power of education are changed Standards for measuring quality of programs are established and expectations are raised
Humanizing language is used to refer to justice impacted people Systems promoting equity in access to information and high quality education for incarcerated people are implemented Policies imposing collateral consequences for formerly incarcerated people are changed
Awareness about the liberative and transformative power of education is increased
Humanizing language is used to refer to justice. impacted people
Networks of service providers are expanded
Organizations are more equipped to connect justice impacted clients to high quality support and care
Communities are better able to provide incarcerated people with accurate information and resources
More families impacted by incarceration are supported and connected to community Advocacy for issues impacting formerly incarcerated and incarcerated people is increased
Justice impacted people have autonomy and success Families are stronger People have access to resources they need to thrive Fewer people are incarcerated
Through the eclectic mixture of introductorylevel science, language arts and humanities classes, I have been given a mental snapshot of the world, a thumbnail of reality’s big picture; and that has made me a fuller, more connected person.
Meet Mike Stanfield
Mike Stanfield’s journey with THEI began with a pivotal moment in the office of the prison newspaper, The Only Voice, when the Tennessee Higher Education program at Turney Center was introduced. This marked the start of a transformative academic journey that exemplifies the power of education to change lives.
Mike’s commitment to education was unwavering from the outset. Despite initial uncertainty about lifers' eligibility, he attended every prep class with determination. In 2017, Mike earned an associate degree in business administration from Nashville State Community College, graduating summa cum laude with a 40 GPA His academic excellence earned him multiple honors, including awards for Business Administration and Excellence in English.
Beyond academic success, Mike found profound self-discovery through literature and writing His journey as a writer, honed through decades at The Only Voice and further developed in college, led to notable achievements such as winning writing contests and exploring the works of influential authors like Camus and Dostoevsky. Education became a liberating force for Mike, revealing a newfound love for learning and intellectual pursuits. His educational journey with THEI broadened his perspectives and equipped him with knowledge that extends far beyond the classroom, fostering a deeper connection to the world and enriching his personal growth.
There was never any question in my mind of whether or not I would take college classes, if offered,” Mike says. “Of course I would. It was a given.”
As Mike prepares to graduate next summer, he looks forward to celebrating his achievements both at Belmont University and alongside his original cohort at Turney Center, where he will walk in cap and gown with his peers. Transitioning from prison to post-release life, Mike has benefited from THEI’s Transitional Programs, receiving ongoing support and encouragement as he secures housing and continues his journey toward further academic and personal success.
Educational Programs
THEI transforms lives by coordinating degree-granting college programs within Tennessee prisons. Through strong partnerships with the Tennessee Department of Correction and state colleges and universities, we provide incarcerated individuals with access to higher education, fostering personal growth, empowerment, and brighter futures.
STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED
Current Programs
DEGREES CONFERRED LAST YEAR
GRADUATES TO DATE
COURSES COORDINATED LAST YEAR
STUDENTS ENROLLED IN COLLEGE PREP
In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), the Tennessee Correctional Education Investment (CEI), and partnering colleges, THEI provides exceptional on-site student support through six associate degree programs and two bachelor degree programs, empowering students to achieve academic success and transform their futures.
Northwest Correctional Complex: Site 1
Dyersburg State Community College
Northwest Correctional Complex: Site 2
Lane College
Dyersburg State Community College
Turney Center Industrial Complex
Belmont University
Nashville State Community College
Nate, THEI Student at NSCC
Women's Therapeutic Residential Center
Dyersburg State Community College
West Tennessee State Penitentiary
Dyersburg State Community College
Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center
Nashville State Community College SERVICES PROVIDED LAST YEAR
As a Nashville State Community College student, Nate maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA and is an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. THEI’s weekly support has been pivotal in Nathan's success, providing essential supplies and coordinating tutoring, that have empowered him to excel academically. Beyond his impressive grades, Nathan is an active member of THEI's student council, demonstrating leadership and commitment to his peers.
“I am living proof that education can be a powerful tool for rehabilitation and personal growth”
- Nate
Personalized Support
Our Approach to Student Engagement
College On-Ramps
Enrollment begins with an information session, followed by College Prep -- a series of workshops on habits of mind that help prepare prospective students for the experience of being a college student in the prison setting.
Course Coordination
THEI partners with colleges and prisons to coordinate inperson and online courses, meeting weekly with students to provide essential support. We empower students to make informed educational decisions despite limited access to communication and technology.
Extracurricular Learning
THEI facilitates enrichment opportunities, like creative writing, student council, career exploration workshops and financial literacy, which enhance learning and promote selfexploration and possibilities.
Lane College Graduation
Celebrating Achievements
THEI celebrates student achievements through start-ofsemester kickoffs, end-of-semester gatherings, and onsite graduation ceremonies with the graduates’ families that honor our students’ transformative journeys.
On November 2, 2023, our pioneering graduates from Lane College at Northwest Correctional Complex not only made history as the first to earn bachelor's degrees in a men’s prison; they also became the first to achieve this milestone from a Historically Black College in Tennessee while behind the wall, exemplifying the power of education to break barriers and build futures.
Transitional Programs
THEI'sTransitionalProgramsportfolioisalifelineforjustice-impactedindividuals,offering essentialnon-academicsupportservicesbeforeandafterrelease.Bydisruptingsystemsof harm,wecreatepathwaystoautonomyandsuccess,ensuringourstudentshavetheresources andcommunitytheyneedtothrive.
ALUMNI RECEIVED TP SERVICES
OFALUMNIARE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
RECEIVED HOUSING SUPPORT
Ogburn House
RECEIVED COLLEGEACCESS SUPPORT
RECEIVED WELCOMEHOME SUPPLIES
LAPTOPS GIVEN
MOVINGFORWARD GUIDES DISTRIBUTED
THEIGRADUATES HAVERETURNED TOPRISON
In January 2024, THEI Opened Ogburn House, a traumainformed reentry residence on the Scarritt Bennett camp Nashville, TN. Ogburn House is a supportive home where residents can live comfortably without financial burden, a while pursuing their educational goals and receiving essential assistance and resources.
Ogburn House is the first transitional house in the state with an emphasis on supporting justice impacted people pursuing higher education.
700,000 people are released from prison annually. Transitional housing facilities only have capacity for about 60,000.
People who are formerly incarcerated are 10 times more likely to be unhoused than the general population.
Stability and Upward Mobility
THEI’s approach to stability and upward mobility practices prioritize quality of life, focusing on more t mediate needs
Building Community Support Services Mentorship & Coaching Long-Term Commitment
When a student enrolls, they become a valued members of our community, which builds trust that extends even after they are released. A year before release, students begin working with a reentry coordinator .
THEI support includes access to recovery programs, counseling, genderaffirming care, healthcare, family reunification, employment, college access, housing, financial wellness, and more.
Post-release, alumni receive a Coach – a formerly incarcerated mentor who checks in weekly through their first year. They visit in person during the first week home to share a meal, deliver resources, and strengthen the sense of belonging.
Moving Forward Guide
The Moving Forward Guide is a thorough narrative and user-friendly directory providing resources for essential needs like housing, health and mental-health services, food security, employment and career development, higher education, and legal and advocacy support. This guide is an indispensable resource for alumni transitioning beyond incarceration.
Even after immediate support needs subside, THEI staff and peers continue to provide support over time as challenges emerge, solidifying this social support network with our alumni.
Joseph Jones, THEI Alumnus, Ogburn House Resident
Joseph Jones, the first resident at Ogburn House, has demonstrated remarkable drive in his reentry journey. Housing was his biggest challenge, but with the unwavering support of Shon and the entire TP team, Joseph has a new appreciation for personal space and peace of mind. He is able to eliminate distractions safely, allowing him to focus on his goals.
“I love having the opportunity to be in a different community and experience different cultures because now I understand that it's okay to be different and it's also okay to be alone.” - Joseph
Policy & Practice
THEI's Policy & Practice portfolio champions systemic change at state and national levels. Guided by the voices of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, we advocate for policies that dismantle barriers and promote equity.
Tennessee Prison College Coalition
Through strategic collaboration, the Tennessee Prison College Coalition (TPCC) increases access and support for justice-impacted students, emphasizing program quality and equity. Launched in 2019, TPCC is led by THEI in partnership with key partners:
Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC)
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Tennessee Board of Regents
Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Office of Reentry (TOR)
The Office of Governor Bill Lee Program alumni with lived experience
Over the last year, TPCC has collaborated to implement processes in preparation for the reinstatement of Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students. TPCC partners developed the Tennessee Pell Runway, which includes Tennessee’s Prison Education Program (PEP) application, criteria for program evaluation, a review panel comprised of directly impacted stakeholders and key partners, and ongoing support for colleges to effectively act in the best interest of students.
Technical Assistance
As a national leader of high quality higher education in prison (HEP) and reentry programming, THEI is committed to providing technical assistance to key stakeholders and partners in the field. This role came into focus in 2024 after the Department of Education’s reversal of a nearly three-decade Pell Grant ban is expected to drive expansion of new prison education programs.
In 2024, THEI launched the Student Resource Initiative, a two-year project funded by the Ascendium Education Group to create student facing resources about financial aid, college access, and college success, specifically for incarcerated students. This Initiative is one example of the ways THEI leverages more than 12 years of practitioner experience to propel the field and our mission.
Day on the Hill
Day on the Hill events are critical advocacy efforts where THEI staff and alumni engage directly with legislators to discuss the importance of Higher Education in Prison and advocate for policy changes that support justice-impacted individuals.
TENNESSEE
March 6, 2024
THEI staff and alumni met with two House Representatives and seven Senators, attended a House Education Administration Committee Meeting and a Senate Education Committee Meeting.
Senator Mark Pody invited THEI to testify at a Senate State and Local Government Corrections Subcommittee hearing. Out of this hearing emerged a project to collect and record THEI alumni’s experience with the parole system: Project HOPE.
FEDERAL
March 20 - 22, 2024
Three THEI staff members attended Unlock Higher Education’s annual Day on the Hill in Washington D.C., supporting advocacy of 6 main priorities: digital equity, default student loan remediation, pay equity, ban the box for education, disability services, and PELL services.
Jeremy White, THEI Alumnus & Reentry Coach
Jeremy White, a THEI alumnus and reentry coach, represented THEI at the federal Day on the Hill event in Washington D.C. alongside Director of Policy & Practice Barbi Brown and Policy Associate Rachel Rivera.
“THEI 's policy work is the catalyst to the future of higher education and the force that has shaped the pathway to mobility among college students incarcerated. In fact, how the organization has crafted policy has become a beacon for other states who choose to engage in PEP Programs.” - Jeremy
Southern HEP Collective
The Southern Higher Education in Prison Collective (SHEPC), comprising of HEP programs across 14 southeastern states, unites members to share information and strategies for improving programming, student support, and policy advocacy. THEI's Policy & Practice team has been instrumental in leading and organizing this collaborative community.
Meet THEI’s Board of Directors
JARED CAMPBELL
BOARD CHAIR
SYSTEMS DEVELOPER
SHAW INDUSTRIES
C. TERESA CAMPBELL
MBA, SHRM-CP
MANAGER, HR STRATEGY & DELIVERY
DXC TECHNOLOGY
SHARON DIXON
GENTRY
EDD
AVP OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND DEI EDUCATION, HCA HEALTHCARE
LA
KIESHA ARMSTRONG
VICE PROVOST FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, BELMONT UNIVERSITY EDD
KIM DANO THE SCHOONER FOUNDATION
MISHA MAYNARD
PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY HEALTH MARKETING
ABBY HYMAN
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, THE HEALING TRUST
MARCIA MILLET
ASSOCIATE PROVOST FOR FACULTY INITIATIVES/DEPARTMENT CHAIR OF EDUCATION, FISK UNIVERSITY EDD
TAMARQUES PORTER
CYBER SECURITY ANALYST, US DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
CHARVIS RAND
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, NASHVILLE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ZACHARY ROBINSON
CEO & FOUNDER, DOORS
Financial Stewardship
REVENUE EXPENSES
Total Revenue Total Expenses $ 2,910,331.71 $ 2,281,261.08
Fiscally Responsible Solutions
Incarceration comes at a great cost to families, communities, and also to taxpayers. Interventions that are proven to reduce recidivism can help reduce the prison population, and the associated costs. In this way, investing in THEI’s programs makes good financial sense for Tennessee.
With zero THEI graduates having returned to prison to date, THEI is proud to be part of the solution to breaking the cycle of recidivism in Tennessee. Among students who complete more than one semester, our latest data shows less than 15% of THEI students have ever been re-incarcerated, compared with the state’s recidivism rate of 29.3% and national rate of 66%.
0 THEI graduates have returned to prison TENNESSEE
$46,862.24
Average annual cost to incarcerate a person in a TN state prison
Average annual cost per person to receive THEI programming and support $5,973.17
Meet THEI’s Staff
CARA ALBERT
DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
BARBI BROWN
DIRECTOR OF POLICY & PRACTICE
MATTHEW CUSHING
REENTRY SERVICES INTERN
SHON HOLMAN WHEATLEY
DIRECTOR OF TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS
FELICIA INGRAM
ACADEMIC COORDINATOR
LAURA FERGUSON MIMMS, EdD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EDWARD JONES
REENTRY SERVICES COORDINATOR
DROST KOKOYE
TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS MANAGER
HANNAH MALKOFSKY-BERGER
ACADEMIC CORDINATOR
ASHLEY MASSEY
TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
KRISTIN PAINE
STUDENT RESOURCES
PROJECT MANAGER
RACHEL RIVERA
POLICY ASSOCIATE
SAMMY SAMMARTINO
ALUMNI & OFFICE COORDINATOR
JOSH STOLTZ
OPERATIONS MANAGER
ADRIENNE TAYLOR
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
JEREMY WHITE
TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS COACH
SANDY WILSON
ACADEMIC COORDINATOR
RACHEL ZOLENSKY
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY & IMPACT
Looking Forward
Priorities for FY 2024-2025
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Enhance understanding and awareness of THEI’s mission and impact among all stakeholders.
Embed and deepen THEI’s core values within our internal culture as we scale.
EXPANSION
Open additional transitional housing, including a dedicated space for women alumni, inspired by the Radical Hospitality model.
Expand our educational programming to include more Bachelor Degree offerings in addition to reaching more incarcerated students in Middle and Eastern Tennessee.
Ensure sustainable growth that prioritizes quality and depth of support over merely expanding enrollment or program sites.
ADVOCACY
Conduct policy workshops for incarcerated students, empowering them with knowledge and advocacy skills.
Advance Project HOPE, gathering parole experiences from alumni to drive meaningful parole system reform.
BRIDGING THE GAP
Establish monthly workshops and support groups for alumni, fostering continuous growth and connection
Host THEI’s second annual reentry conference to advance dialogue and best practices.
Develop a comprehensive suite of resources to help incarcerated college students navigate the financial aid process.
