Marian University’s Women’s College Partnership (WCP) has been named a 2025 Arago Honor recipient by the Meridian Foundation, receiving a $20,000 award in recognition of the program’s transformative impact on incarcerated women at the Indiana Women’s Prison.
The Arago Honors, now in their fifth year, celebrate innovative nonprofits addressing complex community challenges through creative, sustainable solutions. This year, eight organizations were selected from across Indianapolis.
WCP stood out as a “disruptive innovator” for its bold approach to expanding access to higher education within the correctional system. Launched in 2019 with 16 students, the program has grown to serve 53 women in the 2025–26 academic year. To date, 37 degrees have been conferred—an achievement reflected in exceptional outcomes. Graduates of WCP have a recidivism rate of just 1.25 percent, compared to the statewide average of 24.4 percent for women released from incarceration.
By replicating the full college experience within the prison, WCP offers students not only academic opportunity but also a pathway to stability, dignity, and long-term success after reentry.
“Creative solutions are essential to addressing the most challenging issues in our community,” said Donna Oklak, founder of the Meridian Foundation, in announcing this year’s honorees.
Marian University joins seven other nonprofits recognized for innovative work across journalism, healthcare, the arts, workforce development, entrepreneurship, STEM education, and environmental restoration.
To learn more about the Marian University Women’s College Partnership, click HERE.
This program is changing lives—and the data proves it. A 1.25% recidivism rate is extraordinary.— Meridian Foundation