The Ohio Prison Education Exchange Project (OPEEP) works to increase access to quality higher education for incarcerated and justice-involved individuals.
OPEEP builds prison-to-college pathways through campus- and community-based education, advocacy, and outreach. OPEEP courses bring campus-based and incarcerated students together in Ohio prison settings for collaborative and transformative educational experiences.
Guided by a commitment to equity and radical inclusion, OPEEP believes that quality education is a right regardless of one’s background, identity, or status. The project emphasizes collaborative learning opportunities for incarcerated students alongside campus students in several of central Ohio’s prison facilities. Broadening experiences of learning in new and challenging contexts illustrates the rewards of engaging in intellectual projects through empathy and a shared commitment to recognize the dignity of all people.
OPEEP Co-Director Dr. Mary Thomas is a professor of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Co-Director Dr. Tiyi Morris is an affiliated faculty member. Additionally, many WGSS faculty teach OPEEP courses. WGSS students are encouraged to check out upcoming OPEEP courses that may fulfill major and minor requirements.