Our Crowdfunding Groups
We have received a match challenge gift of $2,500! We are seeking to raise the remaining $2,500 needed to meet our goal for funding our programs.
Thank you so much to everyone who donated in the first day of our fundraiser! We met our initial goal and are increasing our goal to $7,500! Please encourage anyone you know who is able to give to donate to this important project.
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Many of you know that EMU provides college courses to students at the Women’s Huron Valley (WHV) Correctional Facility, the only women’s correctional facility in the state of Michigan. We are currently the only four-year university to do so. Since 2008, these courses have been taught voluntarily by EMU faculty due to restrictions on federal financial aid for incarcerated students. In the past few years, a handful of colleges and universities have become eligible to provide Pell grant funding for incarcerated students. In 2022, EMU joined that list. This exciting development means that EMU can now pay faculty to teach these courses, allowing us to begin building a BA program at WHV.
Just this afternoon, I met with members of the Student Voice Council, a group of students elected to represent the interests of students WHV. This dynamic and committed group of women voiced their eagerness for more educational opportunities. As representatives for their peers, they asked thoughtful questions and advocated convincingly for the importance of well-crafted degree programs. Their insight and dedication demonstrate the power of education.
These programs require crucial support in the form of resource materials and administrative coordination. Prisoners do not have access to the internet or course staples such as readings, notebooks, bluebooks, etc. EMU has copied countless course packs, articles, and book chapters for inmate students, plus providing basic writing materials. While we cannot showcase the experience that is had or the impact that is made through photos, for confidential purposes of our students, we hope you can understand how life changing this experience is for all involved.
Please donate today so we can assist these women in building their future.