Education for Mind and Heart!

Why We Began

When college programs were defunded in New York prisons  as a result of the 1994 elimination of PELL and TAP grants, access to higher education nearly disappeared. Rising Hope was created to fill that gap and to offer incarcerated people the chance to grow, to heal, and to prepare for a meaningful life of service and leadership.

We believed then, and still do, that education is a lifeline — one that transforms individuals and builds safer, stronger communities both inside and outside prison walls.

Brief History

Rising Hope began as the Certificate in Ministry and Human Services program at Sing Sing.  It was created  by a group of incarcerated scholars, alumni of the Master’s program offered by the New York Theological Seminary  with the support of its president,  Rev. Dr. George “Bill” Webber, and other committed volunteers.

In 2003, the program became Rising Hope, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and it expanded to serve at its peak seven correctional facilities across New York State,  impacting the  lives of more than 1,300 alumni.

What We Do & How We Work

Rising Hope provides rigorous, college-level courses in communication, social sciences, and religion to people  incarcerated in New York.

Our Certificate in Ministry and Human Services program

  • Our CMHS program offers college-level courses to people incarcerated in New York State.  

  • These courses are taught by volunteers and without cost to the students.  

  • The program is open to people of any or no faith tradition who wish to grow intellectually and spiritually.

  • The curriculum is rigorous, consisting of two semesters with classes five days per week.

Our Goals

  • Provide the equivalent of 20-33 credit hours of college education.  

  • Explore religion and religious practices from an academic perspective.

  • Help students examine their lives in light of their religious or other tradition.

  • Create a community of learners who will encourage and support one another throughout the program and beyond.  

Our Academic Focus

  • Critical thinking and communication

  • Academic excellence

  • Personal responsibility and integrity

  • Community spirit 

  • Developing leadership skills

How We Work

  • Challenging Curriculum:  Students complete 8–10 courses over two 15-week semesters, the equivalent of 30 credits of college work, earning the Rising Hope Certificate.

  • Volunteer-Powered Model:  Our faculty includes professors, clergy, counselors, retired educators, and qualified incarcerated graduates, all teaching as volunteers.

  • Supportive Learning Communities:  Students study human behavior, ethics, writing, and theology from a scholarly perspective, fostering intellectual growth, personal responsibility, and respect for all faith traditions.

  • Accessible & Inclusive:  Open to people of all (or no) faith traditions, welcoming diversity of thought and life experience.

Nondiscriminatory Policy

Rising Hope, Inc. admits students of all races, colors, national and ethnic origins, religions, ages, genders, and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded and made available to students of the program.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, acceptance of volunteers or any other administered programs.