The Hope-Western Prison Education Program empowers and equips students who are incarcerated to thrive personally and vocationally, becoming thoughtful and wise citizens who seek the common good and are dedicated to improving their community, both inside and outside the prison.

The program fosters redemption and hope by transforming persons and renewing minds through a Christian liberal arts education and belonging in a meaningful learning community. The mission is to educate students to live lives of leadership and service, which transforms students, the prison culture, and the community inside and outside the prison.

“When we are educated, we begin to see that it is not for us. It is for the development and for the good, the common good, of those who are around us.”
—Hassan, 2025 graduate

In a partnership with Western Theological Seminary and the Michigan Department of Corrections, Hope College offers an education resulting in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Faith, Leadership, and Service to incarcerated students at Muskegon Correctional Facility.

We Need Financial Support

The Hope-Western Prison Education Program is committed to providing an education at no cost to students enrolled in the program. Program costs are covered through federal student aid, state funding through the Michigan Department of Corrections and the generosity of individuals who partner with us to achieve the program’s mission.
Donate Online Today!

“I didn’t think anybody could ever believe in me, but [HWPEP] did. People believed in me, and they allow you the space to start believing in yourself. And Hope gave that to me. Hope gave me hope!”
—Carlos, 2025 graduate

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Support the program

For more information about how you can support The Hope-Western Prison Education Program, contact:

Kary Bosma
bosmak@hope.edu

Dr. David Stubbs
david@westernsem.edu

Hope CollegeHope-Western Prison Education Program

Martha Miller Center257 Columbia AvenueRoom 209Holland, MI 49423-3698

workP. 616.395.7215

Hope by the Numbers

  • 2,098Credit Hours Completed

    Hope-Western Prison Education Program students have completed a total of 2,098 credit hours since the program’s inception.

  • 3.68Composite GPA

    As of spring 2024, the grade point average of all enrolled HWPEP students was 3.68.

  • 87%Dean’s List

    87% of HWPEP students were on the Dean’s List for the spring 2024 semester. The Dean’s List is awarded to full-time, degree-seeking students who have a semester GPA of 3.50 or above.

  • 91%Persistence Rate

    As of spring 2024, 91% of students who were admitted to the program are still enrolled.