The Education Preparedness Program at Marquette University (EPP) is a college bridge program that invites currently and formerly incarcerated individuals to explore their interest in college, whether they have already taken college courses, have never taken a college course, or have never thought they would take college courses. Our mission is to create pathways to higher education for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and to expand traditional boundaries of higher education through collaboration across the Milwaukee community.

Correctional Education Programming

EPP teaches Marquette University courses inside prison and jail facilities in Milwaukee and Racine Counties. 

Students enroll in courses together as co-learners. Degree-seeking, campus-based students travel weekly to take classes inside prison and jail facilities alongside students who are currently incarcerated.  

Correctional Facilities Where We Teach:
  • Racine Correctional Institution
  • Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility
  • Community Reintegration Center

Spring 2026 Courses

Off-Campus Courses, Racine Correctional Institution

CRLS 3140: Race, Crime, and Punishment
Instructor: Dr. Darren Wheelock
Meets: Tuesdays, 5:30-8:00pm

PHIL 4931/5931: Emotions of Moral and Political Transformation
Instructor: Dr. Theresa Tobin
Meets: Mondays, 6:00-8:30pm

PSYC 4740: The Narrative Self
Instructor: Dr. Ed de St. Aubin
Meets: Thursdays, 9:00-11:30am

Apply for Spring 2026 EPP Courses 

*This application is for current Marquette degree-seeking students

Marquette Campus Programming

The EPP campus program invited formerly incarcerated individuals to take free Marquette University courses on our campus in Milwaukee. 

Eligibility: 
  • The Education Preparedness Program believes in access to higher education for system-impacted individuals. As a program, we define system-impacted as those with a felony conviction in their background and Class A misdemeanor offenses.
  • In accordance with Marquette University policy, non-degree seeking students with Sex Offense convictions are not permitted to take courses on Marquette's campus. If you are impacted by this policy, please reach out to us. We value access to education for all and can work with you to discuss other pathways to college.
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have earned a high school diploma, HSED, or GED equivalent 
  • Must be able to travel to Marquette University campus for class each week
Education Preparedness Program Offerings: 
  • EPP is not currently a degree-granting program.
  • Students enroll in one class per semester and might have the opportunity to take additional courses.
  • Courses are credit-bearing, meaning you are earning credits on a Marquette University transcript
  • All of our courses are held in person on the Marquette University campus. We do not offer online courses

Campus Program Applications:

Applications for system-impacted individuals are closed for Spring 2026. If you're interested in EPP, let us know through our interest form , and we will be in touch!