Incarcerated individuals in class.
Education stands as a cornerstone of personal development and societal advancement. However, for the 2.3 million individuals currently incarcerated in the United States, access to education remains a struggle. Shockingly, 68% of state prison inmates did not receive a high school diploma, and only 35% of state prisons offer college-level courses; a mere 6% of the incarcerated population benefit from these programs. This disparity shows that the lack of educational opportunities in prison is detrimental to individuals and society at large.
In light of these disparities, education is key to reducing incarceration rates. Individuals who engage in any educational program while incarcerated are 43% less likely to return to prison compared to those who do not. For those without a high school diploma, the re-arrest rate post-release is 60.4%, compared with 19.1% for college graduates. Moreover, prisons that offer college programs tend to exhibit less violent environments. This correlation between education and a safer prison atmosphere shows that educational initiatives aid in personal reform and institutional stability.
Expanding educational opportunities in prisons can greatly benefit the economy. A more educated workforce enhances productivity, leading to more economic output. For every dollar invested in prison education, taxpayers save an estimated $4 to $5 in incarceration costs. This return on investment is crucial when considering the $60 billion annual loss to the U.S. economy due to the high incarceration rates and subsequent loss of labor. Additionally, individuals with education in prison experience improved personal income, lower unemployment rates, greater political engagement, increased volunteerism, and better health outcomes. These benefits extend beyond the individual to their families and communities.
Children are significantly impacted by incarceration in their families. Approximately 2.7 million children under the age of 18 have at least one parent in prison. This situation often leads to unstable family environments, economic hardships, increased delinquency, poor school performance, and stress-induced mental health issues. By investing in education for incarcerated individuals, we offer a brighter future for their children.
Several organizations are at the forefront of advocating for and providing educational opportunities in prisons. Hudson Link is a notable example, operating in six correctional facilities across New York State and partnering with eleven colleges to offer degree-granting programs. As the only 501(c)3 non-profit in the U.S. run by formerly incarcerated individuals, Hudson Link exemplifies the transformative power of education. The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison (AHEP) is another pivotal organization supporting the expansion of quality education in prisons. AHEP works to empower incarcerated students, advocate for educational reforms, and provide work-learning opportunities such as apprenticeships and internships.
As a society, we must advocate for the expansion of educational programs within correctional facilities, support organizations that champion these causes, and work towards a system that recognizes education as a critical component of rehabilitation.
Below are the links to Hudson Link and AHEP.
Works Cited
“Donate.” Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, https://hudsonlink.org/donate/. Accessed 22 August 2024.
“Education in Action.” Alliance for Higher Education in Prison, https://www.higheredinprison.org/info/education-in-action. Accessed 22 August 2024.
Harlow, Caroline Wolf. “Education and Correctional Populations.” Bureau of Justice Statistics, https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/ecp.pdf. Accessed 22 August 2024.
Villagomez, Angelo. “Education Opportunities in Prison Are Key to Reducing Crime.” Center for American Progress, 2 March 2018, https://www.americanprogress.org/article/education-opportunities-prison-key-reducing-crime/. Accessed 22 August 2024.
Comments