SearchHigher Education for Incarcerated People
LAC continues to work to expand educational opportunities to people who are incarcerated in state and federal facilities. In February of 2008, the House approved legislation to reauthorize the Higher Education Act (HEA) by a 354 to 58 vote. The legislation, H.R. 4137, includes provisions to authorize a grant program aimed at expanding and strengthening postsecondary educational opportunities for people incarcerated in State correctional facilities. Under H.R. 4137, the Secretary of Education would be required to establish a program to State correctional education agencies to help incarcerated people acquire educational and job skills through:
- Coursework to prepare students to take college-level courses; The pursuit of a postsecondary education certificate, or an associate or bachelor's degree, provided by a regionally or nationally accredited body while in prison; and
- Employment counseling and other related services which start during incarceration and end no later than one year after release.
Additionally, LAC advocates for fully restoring Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated people. In 1994, Congress eliminated eligibility for people in state and federal correctional facilities to receive Pell Grants to help finance post-secondary education. This change was made despite clear research showing that incarcerated individuals who receive a post-secondary education prior to their release from incarceration are much less likely to recidivate and are more likely to successfully reintegrate back into the community. One study found that participation in state correctional education programs lowers the likelihood of re-incarceration by 29 percent. In addition, advanced educational opportunities will help to prepare formerly incarcerated individuals to compete in the labor market, join the workforce, and positively contribute to the economy.
Click here for more information on higher education opportunities for incarcerated people.
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