Iowa Consortium for Higher Education in Prisons

ICHEP

On this page...

Back to top

Mission Statement

The Iowa Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (ICHEP) is dedicated to providing high quality and accessible educational opportunities, successful reentry of returning citizens and the restoration of personal dignity for incarcerated individuals.

Back to top

Philosophy

The ICHEP recognizes and supports the rehabilitative power of postsecondary instruction for incarcerated students. As such, the Consortium, and its respective members, strive to provide high quality programs and services to this student population. The Consortium is dedicated to providing high quality and accessible higher education options, successful reentry of returning citizens in Iowa and the restoration of personal dignity and opportunity for incarcerated students. We also recognize the talent and contributions of incarcerated students to institutions of higher learning.

If your organization would like to join us in this work, fill out the community partnership form.

Back to top

Definition & Purpose

The ICHEP is a collaborative organization of institutions of higher education, the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC), Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Board of Regents. All colleges and universities offering postsecondary credit and non-credit career and technical education (CTE) and academic programs in Iowa correctional facilities will be approved by the Iowa Department of Corrections based on recommendations of the active members in the ICHEP. The ICHEP is designed to:

  • establish the process through which postsecondary programs are considered and approved;
  • develop governance processes for the Consortium;
  • provide high quality educational opportunities;
  • share information between member colleges;
  • increase articulation of students among the member colleges and universities and correctional institutions;
  • urge legislators to continue state and federal financial support;
  • identify and/or develop funding sources;
  • cultivate constituency relations, and
  • work to develop effective DOC policies and procedures for serving incarcerated students.

Participating institutions will maintain the integrity of their separate programs and governance structures. All institutions in the Consortium must maintain accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and be appropriately authorized to operate postsecondary educational programs in the State of Iowa.

Back to top

DOC/ICHEP Program/Course Application & Rubric

2023-07-20 Application Update Letter from DOC and Partner Colleges

Back to top

Meetings

  • March 5, 2024 - Quarterly Meeting ICHEP Conference - Hosted by Southeastern Community College
  • May, 17, 2023 - Quarterly ICHEP Conference - Hosted by Des Moines Area Community College
Back to top

Working Groups

Funding and Partnerships

Security and Technology

Student Success

Professional Development

Data and Performance

Back to top

Ambassadors

Formerly incarcerated individuals who participated in educational opportunities during their time served. Since getting out, they have received an opportunity to partake in community involvement in working with higher education in prison with Iowa partners to continue their positive engagement/work to a successful and better life.

The ICHEP Ambassador Application is currently closed. We are not currently accepting applications at this time.

Back to top

Members

If you are interested in partnering with us, use the community partnership form.

Executive Members

  • Kelsey Casey, secretary/treasurer, Iowa Central Community College
  • Emily Guenther, vice chair, Grinnell College
  • Janet Shepherd, chair, Southeastern Community College

Steering Committee Members

  • Andrew Beckett, University of Iowa (voting)
  • Laura Book, Office of the Governor (non-voting)
  • Rachel Boon, Iowa Board of Regents (non-voting)
  • Kelsey Casey, Iowa Central Community College (voting)
  • Emily Guenther, Grinnell College (voting)
  • Amanda Humphrey, Kirkwood Community College (voting)
  • Peggy Long, Iowa Department of Education (non-voting)
  • Matt Mancuso, Iowa Western Community College (Voting)
  • Rohey Sallah, Iowa Department of Corrections (non-voting)
  • Janet Shepherd, Southeastern Community College (voting)
  • Megan Sibbel, Iowa Department of Education (non-voting)
  • Abby Zegers, Des Moines Area Community College (voting)

Community Partners

  • Katrina Callahan, Community Colleges for Iowa
  • Charles Clayton, Athletics For Education and Success, Fort Dodge
  • Robert Schafbuch, Know More - Education Counseling and Assistance - Reentry
  • Richelle Seitz, Iowa Workforce Development

Pathway Navigators

  • Joe Dodson, Des Moines Area Community College
  • Tamala Douglas, Iowa Central Community College
  • Jordan Hofer, Iowa Western Community College
  • Madison Stearns, Southwestern Community College
  • Adriana Valeriano, Iowa Central Community College
Back to top