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Articles on Prison education

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Only 15% of adults in prison have earned a postsecondary degree or certificate – either before or while being incarcerated. Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images

As Second Chance Pell Grant program grows, more incarcerated people can get degrees – but there’s a difference between prison-run and college-run education behind bars

With the expansion of Second Chance Pell grants, more colleges and universities will soon offer degree programs to students in prison.
There is growing political interest in providing higher education to those behind bars. AdrianoK/Shutterstock.com

Higher education in America’s prisons: 4 essential reads

Education for those behind bars is gaining more attention. In these four articles, scholars take an up-close look at efforts to provide – and restrict – higher education in prison.
Students in an advanced bachelor’s degree seminar in the Bard Prison Initiative at Eastern New York Correctional Facility. Skiff Mountain Films

Documentary provides rare look at higher education in prison

A scholar who has taught in prison weighs in on ‘College Behind Bars,’ which airs Nov. 25 and 26 on PBS. The documentary prompts viewers to consider the importance of higher education in prison.
Research shows prison education lessens the chances that inmates will return to prison after their release. Elaine Thompson/AP

Why federal student aid should be restored for people in prison

For people in prison to have a better chance at earning a living upon release, Congress should lift a longstanding ban on federal student aid for those serving time, a criminal justice scholar argues.

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