The Education Preparedness Program at Marquette University (EPP) is a college bridge program that helps students jump-start their interest in college whether they have already taken college courses, have never taken a college course, or never thought they would take college courses. Our mission is to create pathways to higher education for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and to expand traditional boundaries of higher education through collaboration across the Milwaukee community.

The EPP is an initiative of Marquette’s Center for Urban Research, Teaching, and Outreach (CURTO) within the College Of Arts and Sciences. We prioritize community-immersive practices that break down barriers and facilitate collaborative learning for personal and social transformation. 

Applications:

Applications are closed for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. If you're interested in EPP, let us know through our interest form and we will be in touch!

Eligibility: 

• The Education Preparedness Program believes in access to higher education for system-impacted individuals. As a program, we define system-impacted as those with a felony conviction in their background and Class A misdemeanor offenses.
• In accordance with Marquette University policy, non-degree seeking students with Sex Offense convictions are not permitted to take courses on Marquette's campus. If you are impacted by this policy, please reach out to us. We value access to education for all and can work with you to discuss other pathways to college.
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have earned a high school diploma, HSED, or GED equivalent 
• Must be able to travel to Marquette University campus for class each week

Education Preparedness Program Offerings: 

• Admitted students are eligible to take up to eight courses (24 credits) tuition-free 
• EPP is not currently a degree-granting program 
• Courses are credit-bearing meaning you are earning credits on a Marquette University transcript. Eligible courses count toward degree or certificate programs and are transferable to other colleges and universities. 
• All of our courses are held in person on the Marquette University campus. We do not offer online courses.

Through our blended course model, legal-system-impacted students and students who are not system-impacted enroll in courses together as co-learners.