Higher Education in Prison Grant

The Higher Education in Prison Grant, solicitation number 601-00-4161, is a program administered by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to support the Bachelor’s Degree Prison Education Program (BD-PEP). This initiative aims to close equity gaps for incarcerated individuals by providing post-secondary educational courses leading to a bachelor's degree within Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities. The total program funding is 250,000 dollars, with an anticipated performance period from December 2026 to June 30, 2027. Eligible applicants must be public universities or independent, non-profit four-year institutions authorized by the IBHE and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or another recognized agency. Crucially, institutions must already be offering courses leading to a bachelor's degree at an IDOC facility to be considered. Proposals must be submitted by December 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm CST via email to [email hidden]. Required documentation includes a Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, a grant budget with narrative descriptions, and a proposal narrative limited to ten double-spaced pages. The narrative must detail the academic curriculum, student support services such as tutoring and career guidance, reentry planning, and a robust data tracking system for enrollment and graduation. Awards are based on a scoring rubric, and institutions scoring below 60 points will not receive funding. Additionally, the grant imposes a ten percent limit on total indirect costs and requires a detailed implementation plan and a continuity plan for sustaining the work beyond the grant cycle.