Prison Education Program
Contact Us
Cathi Smith, MSW, CSW
Director of Work Based Learning & Government Relations
Hathaway Hall, Suite 422
Adult.Learning@kysu.edu
(502) 597-5080
Education Beyond Walls
The Kentucky State University Prison Education Program (PEP) provides incarcerated students with access to high-quality, accredited college courses—fostering transformation, opportunity, and community impact.
About the Program
The Kentucky State University Prison Education Program (PEP) is a transformative initiative that extends the promise of higher education to incarcerated learners across the Commonwealth.
Launched officially in Fall 2025, the program currently operates at Northpoint Training Center and Roderer Correctional Complex, offering incarcerated students the opportunity to earn transferable college credits through Kentucky State University. The programs we are currently offering through the PEP are Associate of Art in Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Art in Liberal Studies and Bachelor of Art in Business Administration.
Courses are delivered asynchronously through the Lantern Learning Management System (LMS) on Securus tablets, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace while maintaining academic rigor and connection with faculty.
Grounded in KSU’s core values of access, affordability, and equity, the PEP reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunity and transforming lives through learning.
Program Highlights
A few of the ways PEP is creating pathways to success:
📘 Accredited College Courses
Students earn official KSU credit toward associate or bachelor’s degree pathways.
💻 Digital Learning Access
Courses are accessible through Securus tablets using the Lantern LMS platform.
🕒 8-Week Carousel Format
Students can enroll continuously, progressing through short, focused course modules.
👩🏽🏫 Faculty-Led Instruction
All courses are taught and assessed by qualified Kentucky State University faculty.
🤝 Collaborative Partnership
Developed through cooperation between KSU, the Kentucky Department of Corrections,
and facility leadership.
🌱 Transformational Impact
Education builds self-efficacy, personal growth, and reentry readiness—benefiting
students, families, and communities.
| Year / Term | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | Pilot course KSU 118: First Year Experience launched at Northpoint Training Center with 40 students. |
| Summer 2025 | ENG 101 and ENG 102 offered; student engagement and performance exceeded expectations. |
| Fall 2025 | Official launch of the Prison Education Program at both Northpoint and Roderer sites. |
| 2026 and Beyond | Expansion of degree pathways, academic advising, and reentry-focused supports. |
Student Reflections
– PEP Student, Northpoint Training Center
“I would like to make a difference in my life and finally make a change instead of going in the wrong direction, and I know this is a great opportunity for me as well as the others. But this will open up new avenues that I have always experienced but just the positive way and I feel like I got a good support system not only my family, but KSU family as well Mrs.Smith and Mrs.izlar definitely made me feel comfortable about this experience and I want to say thank you for that!!”
Giving thanks from KSU STUDENT 2025!!
Our Partners in Access and Equity
The success of the Prison Education Program is made possible through collaboration among dedicated partners:
- Kentucky State University Faculty and Administration
- Kentucky Department of Corrections
- Securus Technologies LLC
Together, we are redefining what access to education means in the Commonwealth.
Get Involved
Kentucky State University welcomes partnerships, volunteers, and advocates who share our vision of expanding access to higher education.