How in-PRISON EDUCATION can reduce recidivism in the United States

Sasha litvak

sashaann2006@gmail.com

In-prison education will decrease Recidivism

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC), "individuals who did not complete high school were rearrested at the highest rate—60.4 percent—while those who had a college degree were rearrested at a rate of 19.1 percent." This directly proves that those with higher education have a lesser chance of re-entering prison upon release. For those incarcerated without a high school or college degree, it is important to implement education within the prison in order to lower their chance of returning to prison. The RAND Corporation gathered that inmates who utilized education programs had a 43% lesser chance of returning to prison than inmates who did not.






In-prison programs Increase Employment opportunities upon leaving prison

When one leaves prison, that person needs to find employment. Finding a job is difficult, as many employers are reluctant to hire ex-convicts. Learning societal skills in jail will give an ex-convict a better chance at finding employment quicker. An Urban Institute report showed that "most returning offenders had significant educational, vocational, and employment needs." Programs promoting educational and social value can make the job search easier. Programs that help ex-convicts find a job successfully teach them "how to look for a job, prepare an application or resume, conduct an interview and monitor progress in employer contact."

In-prison education will remove stigma from ex-convicts in the job search process

According to Dr. Damon J. Phillips, the stigma people face after leaving prison "can act as a barrier to employment" opportunities. If inmates have the opportunity to gain education throughout their incarceration, they can leave prison with skills that contradict the stigma ex-convicts face. Many previously incarcerated individuals become self-employed due to the common stigma in the workplace against hiring ex-convicts. However, if established businesses have a less stigmatizing view of ex-convicts, it would give them a better chance at stable employment.

In Arms Reach offers academic exposure to children with incarcerated parents to help ensure that they are able to have the educational opportunities to avoid prison. This organization offers STEM courses, mental health guidance, and mentorship and serves as a general safe space for students who are experiencing the difficulties of having a parent in prison.

The Frederick Douglass Project for Justice "facilitates structured meetings and respectful conversations between members of free society and prisoners, so that they can learn from each other, form powerful human connections, and transform both their own lives and society at large." The goal of this organization is to connect inmates and members of society, create humanity for incarcerated individuals, and teach them how to be valuable members of society upon leaving prison.

Exchange for Change offers courses such as creative writing, an introduction to journalism, poetry, and creative non-fiction to seven sites located in the Miami area. Upon completion of a course, work can be published, and the incarcerated students are able to experience graduation in celebration of their work.









How Academic institutions are helping

"Georgetown has emerged as a leader among universities nationwide for its commitment to humanizing, educating, and empowering people during and after incarceration. Through its robust programming, the Prisons and Justice Initiative offers higher education opportunities, reentry support, and advocacy work that transform lives and uplift people affected by the criminal legal system."

"The Prison Teaching Initiative seeks to bridge Princeton University’s academic and service-driven missions by providing the highest-quality postsecondary education to incarcerated students in New Jersey."

Resilience Education is partnering with "the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania that will provide business education to incarcerated individuals."

"Today, BPI enrolls over 300 incarcerated students full-time in programs that culminate in degrees from Bard College." BPI offers 160 courses in prisons each year, has awarded over 700 Bard degrees, and has partnership from 15 colleges/universities.

Not only is in-prison education vital to reducing recidivism rates, but education upon leaving prison is essential as well. "The Florida Prison Education Project provides educational opportunities to incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated people in Florida, researches the societal benefits of prison education and integrates the study of justice into the University of Central Florida curriculum."

Why Correctional Education Matters video by RAND Corporation

WORDS FROM INMATES RECEIVING in-prison EDUCATION

"I really enjoyed this educational experience, and I truly appreciate all those that work towards making this a reality."

"The course made me feel connected to the outside world and refreshed some writing skills I haven't used in a while. I enjoy the engaging environment."

"My teacher is efficient, professional, helpful, and full of energy. She is a great teacher. Thank you for allowing her to bless us with knowledge that we take with us when we get out to be better individuals in society."

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