Merrimack's Jail Education Project
Driven by Merrimack College’s Augustinian mission, the Jail Education Project (JEP) provides college coursework to men and women incarcerated in Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk Counties in Massachusetts.
History
JEP began as a single course per semester at the Essex County Correctional Facility.
Today, it offers up to 10 college courses per year across jails and pre-release centers in three counties. Upon release, it provides academic support for students enrolled in a flexible, affordable degree program at Merrimack.
OPERATIONS
While many Higher Education in Prison programs take place in State Prisons, where sentences are longer, JEP operates strictly in county jails. The rapid turnover of jails, while logistically challenging, is also what makes jails so important. Twelve million people rotate through U.S. jails each year – 19 times as many as in prisons. Jails are also local, providing Merrimack an opportunity to bring education to underserved members of its own communities.
Middlesex Sheriff's Office Partnership
Courses are run in Billerica, Massachusetts at Middlesex House of Correction & Women’s Pre-Release Center.
Essex County Sheriff's Office Partnership
Courses are run at Essex County Correctional Facility, Middleton, MA & Men’s Pre-Release Center, Lawrence, MA.
3 Counties
JEP operates in Middlesex, Essex and Suffolk Counties. These counties are located in eastern and northeastern Massachusetts.
10 Courses
As of 2025-2026, the program offers 10 courses annually. Course offerings are diverse and examine communication, business, public health and more.
COURSES OFFERED
As of 2025, more than 400 students have been served in the Jail Education Project. Our courses offer meaningful learning opportunities that support personal growth, critical thinking, and long-term success. Through a diverse range of courses, participants are encouraged to explore new ideas, develop practical skills and broaden their understanding of the world. These classes help individuals build confidence, discover interests and foster a sense of purpose.
This year we are offering the following courses:
BUS 2205: Intro to Marketing
COM 1020: Public Communication
COM 2401: Intro to Media
ENG 2050: Intro to Literary Studies
FIN 3310: Intro to Personal Finance
HSC 1500: Intro to Public Health
MGT 1100: Intro to Business
MTH 1003: Intro Math for Business
RTS 1010: World Religions
RTS 1100: Christianity in Context
Post IncarCeration program
JEP is designed to maximize student success inside and outside of jail. The local jail demographics enable students to continue their education at Merrimack after release through the JEP Post-Incarceration Program. Participating students may enroll in Merrimack’s affordable, flexible degree pathways.
Bachelor Degree Completion Program
The Bachelor Degree Completion (BDC) program is a flexible, affordable online degree pathway designed for adult students with a range of college credits to finish a Bachelor’s Degree. It is designed for students of all levels and backgrounds. Students typically enroll in one or two courses each semester and can customize their degree path to support their career objectives.