V I S I O N
We envision a Commonwealth in which all people, including those in prison, have access to quality higher education, allowing them to reach their full human potential.
W H O W E A R E
The Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison is a multi-sector coalition focused on expanding access to college education for Virginians during incarceration and upon return home, to promote personal growth and meaningful career success.
We build public awareness and convene community leaders in collaborative planning for a best-in-class system of postsecondary education in prisons across the Commonwealth.
The Virginia Consensus is open to individual supporters and organizations, including justice-impacted individuals and advocates, academics and educational institutions, government officials and agencies, business interests, faith leaders and organizations, non-profits, funders, and other stakeholders who may have interest, expertise or helpful resources.
The Virginia Consensus is an initiative of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. The work is supported by a generous planning grant from the Ascendium Education Group.
10,000
people are launched into the Virginia labor market every year from the Department of Corrections, a number equal to the graduating class of George Mason University.
72%
of US jobs in 2031 will require postsecondary education and/or training. Forty-two percent will require at least a bachelor’s degree.
62%
of people in Virginia prisons are academically eligible for college. Yet, from a pool of 14,000, only about 600 a year secure college slots.
