Empowering incarcerated women through rigorous liberal arts education and Franciscan values
The Women’s College Partnership (WCP) at Marian University offers liberal arts education to women at Indiana Women’s Prison. Students pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees full-time, supported by guided study sessions, wellness and career workshops, and student clubs. Reentry support ensures alumnae thrive post-graduation.
At Marian University, the Women’s College Partnership (WCP) is more than a program—it’s a transformative mission rooted in our Franciscan values of dignity, peace, justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship. As Marian’s campus at Indiana Women’s Prison, WCP empowers incarcerated women with a rigorous liberal arts education, fostering intellectual growth, personal restoration, and pathways to thriving futures.
WCP students pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees full-time, immersed in a supportive environment of mentored study halls, wellness workshops, career development, and vibrant student clubs. Beyond graduation, our reentry support equips alumnae to transition confidently, whether continuing their education at Marian or reintegrating into their communities.
Since its founding in 2019, WCP has grown from an inaugural class of 16 to nearly 60 students in the 2025-26 academic year. In 2024, WCP expanded access to women at Rockville Correctional Facility, 1.5 hours west of Indianapolis, ensuring that the majority of incarcerated women in Indiana can pursue a college education at no cost to them or the Indiana Department of Correction.
Our Franciscan Commitment: WCP embodies Marian’s mission to uphold the dignity of the individual by providing education as a tool for reconciliation and justice. We cultivate critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community engagement, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society. Our holistic approach—rooted in responsible stewardship—supports students during and after incarceration, fostering lifelong transformation.
WCP proudly partners with the Bard Prison Initiative’s Consortium for Liberal Arts in Prison and the Indiana Prison Liberal Arts Network, amplifying our impact through shared expertise. Based at Marian’s Indianapolis campus in the Steffen Music Center, WCP is a beacon of hope and opportunity.
“I learned through my experience that I can do anything I put my mind to. Especially with the environment and setting that I am currently in. This has helped me want to continue my education to a master’s and Ph.D.” — WCP Graduate
Our liberal arts curriculum hones essential skills—reading, writing, thinking, and speaking—that serve students far beyond the classroom. Whether students complete their degrees in prison or continue their academic journey post-release, WCP provides seamless transitions, including access to other Marian programs.
WCP’s impact is profound: higher education in prison is one of the most effective ways to ensure successful reentry, reducing recidivism and strengthening communities. By offering college at no cost, WCP removes barriers, making education a universal right for those who choose it. Discover how our Franciscan values guide this mission.
Guided by Marian University’s Franciscan values—dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship—the WCP team is dedicated to empowering incarcerated women through education. Our leadership and faculty embody these values, fostering a supportive community that uplifts students and alumnae.
Program Director
Co-chair, Faculty Advisory Committee
Co-chair, Faculty Advisory Committee
Research Librarian
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