New CSU Program Gives Ex-Convicts Support to Earn College Degrees

The University of Wyoming’s Pathways from Prison program uses federal Pell Grant money and private donations to fund college education for inmates. The program offers four-year degrees and aims to provide them with the skills, tools and knowledge to reenter society in a positive way. Studies show educational programs decrease recidivism rates by 14.8%, and those participating in the program say their self-worth and sense of hope have significantly increased.

California is leading the nation in prison education. “There are now in-person community college classes in all but one prison in the state, enrolling some 4,000 students." Nationally, 4 percent of higher ed institutions teach for-credit classes in prisons. “It's been the most amazing experience of my entire life, as either a free man or as an incarcerated human being." Evidence shows that providing people in prison with education reduces recidivism rates. “A major study by the RAND Corporation found taking classes in prison cuts the chances of getting locked up again by 43%.”

Utah’s Higher Education for Incarcerated Youth program provides free college-level courses for credit to help young people who are incarcerated get college-ready. Those who do not pass the screening test to take college-level classes can take classes for high school credit instead.

A piece of bipartisan legislation was introduced to the United States’ Senate in February 2018 that would give individuals in incarceration access to Pell Grants, thus increasing their college education opportunities. While the bill was not enacted, it is part of an ongoing process of reinstating access to Pell Grants for prisoners from the Obama administration, who gave limited access in its Second Chance program. This bill speaks to the largely bipartisan cultural shift that embraces the need to invest in correctional education in order to prevent recidivism.

The Yale Prison Education Initiative allows cohorts of 12 to 15 people to take credit-bearing college courses and earn a degree while incarcerated. The program now offers two-year associate’s degrees and four-year bachelor’s degrees in three different prisons across Connecticut.

Through the Inside-Out program, traditional college students and students who are incarcerated share the same classroom, coming together for quarter-long courses. All participants receive college credit and students from both groups say learning together helps them break down barriers and understand new perspectives.

Project Rebound at the Pelican Bay State Prison is a partnership with California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt that provides associate and bachelor’s degree education to incarcerated individuals. Research shows access to higher education in prison lowers recidivism rates and increases the likelihood the person will find a job post-incarceration. Currently, about 14,000 incarcerated individuals in the state are taking classes toward a college degree, or about 15% of the prison population.

The United States Department of Education made federal Pell Grants available to college students who are incarcerated to help cover school expenses. This spurred the development of new prison education programs and partnerships with colleges.

Lipscomb University's LIFE Program provides educational opportunities to women incarcerated at the Debra Johnson Rehabilitation Center, including a master's degree in Christian ministry. The courses are also offered to non-incarcerated people who learn alongside their incarcerated peers, and 13 students graduated from the program in 2022.

Through targeted outreach and support across 15 campuses in the California State University system, Project Rebound has helped formerly incarcerated students earn nearly 500 university degrees since 2016, with a recidivism rate of less than one percent. Though the students still face stigma after release, they say Project Rebound provides a safe space for them to find stability and fellowship and connect over shared experiences.