The NYU Prison Education Program provides access to higher education for incarcerated individuals in the New York area. The mission of the program is to improve the futures of incarcerated individuals through a college-in-prison program that grants individuals the ability to earn an Associate of Arts degree during incarceration. New York University believes strongly that access to higher education plays a pivotal role in disrupting the cycle of incarceration and reducing the rate of incarceration throughout the United States. In addition to offering coursework up to an Associate's degree for incarcerated individuals, faculty and students in the program assist students with continued access to higher education after release into the community. They also act as a bridge program, providing referrals to community support services and student led programs that support formerly incarcerated individuals during reintegration. For more information about the program or assistance beginning coursework, contact the NYU Prison Education Program directly.