MISSION
The University of Utah Prison Education Project (UPEP) embodies the mission of the University of Utah by assisting incarcerated students and non-incarcerated volunteers to live lives of impact, both in prison and post-incarceration, by fostering academic excellence, leadership, and civic engagement. UPEP works to create lasting impact in our state and our communities by investing in people and providing them the tools necessary for
empowerment and lifelong learning.
THE OPPORTUNITY
13,000+ PEOPLE
IN UTAH ARE CURRENTLY INCARCERATED.
Fewer than 34
Bachelor degree granting programs serve incarcerated people in the United States.
BENEFITS OF A HIGHER EDUCATION
Every $1 Utah invests
in public higher education
=
$3 return
in Increased Utah tax revenues
Education beyond high school
results in
increased employment rates,
civic engagement,
and overall health.
Students who earn
a bachelor’s degree
in Utah
earn 85% more
than those who didn’t finish high school.
(USHE, 2018).