The Illinois Higher Education in Prison Task Force met between February and July 2022 to consider the steps state lawmakers can take to expand access to quality HEP in Illinois. In addition, Task Force members considered what state leaders can do to ensure effective, sustainable, and equitable HEP programs, and ease the transition between HEP and college or university settings for formerly incarcerated individuals. 

The Task Force heard from subject matter experts, reviewed published reports and other research findings, listened to formerly incarcerated students’ experiences, and received public comments from those currently in prison about their educational goals and the obstacles to achieving them. 

In the end, Task Force members crafted recommendations that will allow for efficient, thoughtful, and cost-effective growth of quality HEP programming in Illinois. 

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