THEI

Tennessee Higher Education in Prison Initiative (THEI) brings degree-granting college programs into Tennessee prisons.

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

Snaps from NOLA! Last week at #NCHEP2025, THEI staff and alumni captured some powerful moments—from presenting and tabling to sharing meals, laughs, and deep community with HEP partners from across the country. More reflections and photos from our time at NCHEP coming soon!

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

As the first resident of THEI’s Busby House, Bo is pursuing higher education, reconnecting with his kids, and embracing the freedom to set his own course. This Second Chance Month, read how Bo is carving a future rooted in autonomy, creativity, and care: https://t.co/ImRlklyTDd

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

THEI is heading to NCHEP 2025 in New Orleans, hosted by @AllianceforHEP ! Next week, we’ll be leading sessions, tabling, and hosting an invite-only informational lunch. We can't wait to connect with the HEP community in New Orleans!

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

April is Second Chance Month—a time to raise awareness and support for justice-impacted individuals. THEI believes that true justice goes beyond second chances—it’s about expanding opportunity and ensuring access to education and the resources needed to thrive.

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

Congratulations to Adrienne Taylor, THEI's Director of Educational Programs! Adrienne was selected to participate in the @AllianceforHEP 2025 Cohort, bringing together 12 leaders from HEP programs in a collaborative effort to strengthen pathways for incarcerated scholars.

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

One week left to sponsor THEI's Path Forward Luncheon! This is your opportunity to support educational access, housing, and reentry initiatives for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated scholars. For interest in sponsoring, contact Cara Albert, at [email protected] today!

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

On this International Day of Happiness, we’re celebrating this year’s theme, Sharing and Caring. We see this every day—through the dedication of our staff and the way our community shows up to create opportunities and lasting change. Take a look at these moments of joy!

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

On March 8th, THEI women alumni came together at Scarritt Bennett to celebrate International Women’s Day—a gathering rooted in sisterhood, healing, and empowerment. In this space, we uplifted the voices and journeys of women reclaiming their lives after incarceration.

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

Burnout is real, and the THEI staff can't show up for our students and alumni if we’re running on empty. That’s why our staff is taking off for a springtime Rest & Reflection this week, March 10th - 14th.

We’ll be back in action on Monday, March 17th—rested and refocused.

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

Join us Monday, April 28th, 2025, at Belmont University to hear directly from our alumni about THEI’s impact. Individual seats are $100, with proceeds supporting THEI’s Housing Network and our program initiatives in 2025.

Register now: https://t.co/QPDK4dPuyA

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

THEI alumni are starting new careers, pursuing degrees, and reaching major milestones. These wins aren’t just personal—they show what’s possible when reentry support meets radical hospitality. We’re proud to walk alongside them every step of the way!

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

This semester, our Educational Programs team is conducting a book study with THEI students, diving into The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. We’re also sharing custom THEI bookmarks with words of encouragement and photos from THEI graduations—reminders of the path forward.

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

Team THEI took a creativity break at our February staff outing! We took time during our work day to decompress and unwind over some hands-on painting at Brushfire Pottery Studio in Nashville. Experiences like these are a fun reminder of our team's shared passion!

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

THEI alumni and housing residents recently experienced The Mountaintop at @tpac, a powerful reimagining of Dr. King’s final night. For many of our guests, it was their first time at the theatre and a reminder that art creates a space for healing on their reentry journey.

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

This Black History Month, THEI has chosen a list of seven must-read books written by Black authors. These voices mirror our values to uplift marginalized voices. Read the full list now, and comment with your favorite works crafted by Black writers: https://t.co/9mKOBf2xRC

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

Game Day meets Game Plan! Our Super Bowl watch party featured THEI's "Game Plan for Success" workshop, empowering our alumni to set goals, overcome barriers, and build strong support networks. A strong "Reentry Playbook" gives returning individuals a clear roadmap for success!

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

Mark your calendars for THEI's 3rd annual Path Forward Luncheon, taking place at @BelmontUniv on 4/8/25. Hear from alumni about our transformative work and the impact it's having in our community. Stay tuned for registration details!

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

New residents in THEI's Housing Network complete a Culture and Community Checklist—including a scavenger hunt across Nashville. One important stop? The Nashville Public Library, which offers knowledge and essential resources for justice-impacted individuals navigating reentry.

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

We're filled with gratitude for the students in the Fall 2024 Philanthropy and Social Problem Solving class at Vanderbilt. Thanks to funds from The Philanthropy Lab, these young changemakers chose THEI to receive a share of their grant funds, awarding us a generous $15,300!

[THEI @THEInitiativeTN]

It’s been a freezing week in Nashville, but Edward, Alumni Success Coordinator, has ensured every resident in THEI’s Housing Network has a comforter to keep warm. The rest are being distribute to others in need. Thank you, Edward, for going above and beyond for our community!