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EdNC visited state prisons in North Carolina and spoke with students who are incarcerated, people who were formerly incarcerated, prison educators, and prison staff to understand the educational paths a person who is incarcerated might take, what is working and what isn’t in the current system, and the importance of successful reentry.
EdNC visited state prisons in North Carolina and spoke with students who are incarcerated, people who were formerly incarcerated, prison educators, and prison staff to understand the educational paths a person who is incarcerated might take, what is working and what isn’t in the current system, and the importance of successful reentry.
In the public imagination, “prison food” often evokes trays of bland and heavily processed meals that lack nutritional quality. Unfortunately, this stereotype reflects reality in many prisons today. Reports from advocacy groups describe ongoing problems with unsafe, ultra-processed food in correctional facilities, contributing to poor health outcomes and emotional distress. At the same time, the United States continues to have persistently high incarceration and recidivism rates. In response, a growing number of prison farm initiatives, garden programs, and justice-oriented food partnerships are using agriculture to support rehabilitation, build skills, and increase access to fresh and local foods inside and outside correctional settings.
In the public imagination, “prison food” often evokes trays of bland and heavily processed meals that lack nutritional quality. Unfortunately, this stereotype reflects reality in many prisons today. Reports from advocacy groups describe ongoing problems with unsafe, ultra-processed food in correctional facilities, contributing to poor health outcomes and emotional distress. At the same time, the United States continues to have persistently high incarceration and recidivism rates. In response, a growing number of prison farm initiatives, garden programs, and justice-oriented food partnerships are using agriculture to support rehabilitation, build skills, and increase access to fresh and local foods inside and outside correctional settings.
Historically Black colleges and universities have long served communities most impacted by mass incarceration — though they’ve been slow to enter the prison education space. The HBCU Higher Education in Prison initiative is trying to change that. Led by Claflin University President Dwaun J. Warmack, the effort started in South Carolina. Five HBCUs are already operating prison education programs in the state: Claflin University, Benedict College, Denmark Technical College, Voorhees University, and Morris College. It’s the only such unified HBCU presence in the country, according to Warmack.
Historically Black colleges and universities have long served communities most impacted by mass incarceration — though they’ve been slow to enter the prison education space. The HBCU Higher Education in Prison initiative is trying to change that. Led by Claflin University President Dwaun J. Warmack, the effort started in South Carolina. Five HBCUs are already operating prison education programs in the state: Claflin University, Benedict College, Denmark Technical College, Voorhees University, and Morris College. It’s the only such unified HBCU presence in the country, according to Warmack.
The reinstatement of Pell eligibility through the FAFSA Simplification Act in 2020 was a historic victory. However, funding alone cannot bring us out of the desert. Without colleges willing and prepared to teach behind the walls, the desert remains. As part of Claflin University’s focus on community development, the HBCU Higher Education in Prison Initiative was born to help address this challenge. Led by a coalition of HBCU presidents, formerly incarcerated scholars, and higher education in prison practitioners, our mission is clear: to address the higher-education-in-prison desert by equipping HBCUs to create and expand high-quality programs for incarcerated students.
The reinstatement of Pell eligibility through the FAFSA Simplification Act in 2020 was a historic victory. However, funding alone cannot bring us out of the desert. Without colleges willing and prepared to teach behind the walls, the desert remains. As part of Claflin University’s focus on community development, the HBCU Higher Education in Prison Initiative was born to help address this challenge. Led by a coalition of HBCU presidents, formerly incarcerated scholars, and higher education in prison practitioners, our mission is clear: to address the higher-education-in-prison desert by equipping HBCUs to create and expand high-quality programs for incarcerated students.
This resource from the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and their New England Prison Education Collaborative (NEPEC) team explores the challenges formerly incarcerated learners face and highlights strategies to better align basic needs, workforce, and education supports.
This resource from the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and their New England Prison Education Collaborative (NEPEC) team explores the challenges formerly incarcerated learners face and highlights strategies to better align basic needs, workforce, and education supports.
The Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law (“BJCL”) is currently accepting submissions for the Fall 2026 issue. BJCL is especially interested in publishing voices of incarcerated individuals or those who work closely with them. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 1, 2026.
The Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law (“BJCL”) is currently accepting submissions for the Fall 2026 issue. BJCL is especially interested in publishing voices of incarcerated individuals or those who work closely with them. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 1, 2026.
As community colleges increasingly implement for-credit educational programs within prison settings, they are likely to serve many disabled students. However, little is known about the services provided to students with disabilities in prison education programs facilitated by community colleges and how accommodations are managed. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory, explanatory sequential mixed-method study was to gain insights into disability accommodations provided in for-credit prison education programs. The findings highlight the lack of adequate services provided to disabled students in prison education programs and the complexity of providing disability accommodations within the carceral context. The findings also point to several implications for practice including a need for more collaboration among stakeholders and the importance of reimagining processes and procedures to work within the highly controlled environment of a prison education program.
As community colleges increasingly implement for-credit educational programs within prison settings, they are likely to serve many disabled students. However, little is known about the services provided to students with disabilities in prison education programs facilitated by community colleges and how accommodations are managed. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory, explanatory sequential mixed-method study was to gain insights into disability accommodations provided in for-credit prison education programs. The findings highlight the lack of adequate services provided to disabled students in prison education programs and the complexity of providing disability accommodations within the carceral context. The findings also point to several implications for practice including a need for more collaboration among stakeholders and the importance of reimagining processes and procedures to work within the highly controlled environment of a prison education program.
At every level of government and in communities across New York, one question keeps coming up: How do we improve public safety? Too often, one of the most effective solutions is overlooked – education. Expanding access to education is proven to reduce recidivism and increase employment opportunities for people returning to their communities from incarceration.
At every level of government and in communities across New York, one question keeps coming up: How do we improve public safety? Too often, one of the most effective solutions is overlooked – education. Expanding access to education is proven to reduce recidivism and increase employment opportunities for people returning to their communities from incarceration.
The Education Justice Project (EJP) at the University of Illinois invites applications for its Mexico Scholarship Program, with awards designed to support the educational goals of people impacted by incarceration and deportation. Applicants can compete for three 10,000-peso scholarships in each of three categories: individuals formerly incarcerated in a U.S. or Mexican prison, people deported from the U.S. to Mexico, and immediate family members of someone deported from the U.S. The deadline for submitting the application and a 500-word essay outlining academic or career goals is March 31, 2026.
The Education Justice Project (EJP) at the University of Illinois invites applications for its Mexico Scholarship Program, with awards designed to support the educational goals of people impacted by incarceration and deportation. Applicants can compete for three 10,000-peso scholarships in each of three categories: individuals formerly incarcerated in a U.S. or Mexican prison, people deported from the U.S. to Mexico, and immediate family members of someone deported from the U.S. The deadline for submitting the application and a 500-word essay outlining academic or career goals is March 31, 2026.
Benjamin Brockie, Aaniiih of the Fork Belknap Reservation, served over 22 years of a 67 year sentence for two robberies. As a college student right out of prison, in October 2024, he learned first hand the gaps in support for people like himself reentering society and has continuously worked towards creating change in the prison system as an advocate for those still incarcerated.
Benjamin Brockie, Aaniiih of the Fork Belknap Reservation, served over 22 years of a 67 year sentence for two robberies. As a college student right out of prison, in October 2024, he learned first hand the gaps in support for people like himself reentering society and has continuously worked towards creating change in the prison system as an advocate for those still incarcerated.
Psychologists are teaching in-prison college programs and finding renewed purpose in their work.
Psychologists are teaching in-prison college programs and finding renewed purpose in their work.
The higher education landscape in the United States mirrors broader societal inequalities experienced by formerly incarcerated people seeking access to colleges and universities. This conceptual paper employs Ray’s theory of racialized organizations to explore how structural barriers faced by formerly incarcerated students, with a particular focus on Black men, who are disproportionately represented in both the criminal justice and higher education systems. We conclude with implications for institutional accountability and offer recommendations to support this population as we argue that without substantial shifts in policies and practices, higher education institutions will continue to perpetuate barriers rather than offer a second chance for formerly incarcerated Black men.
The higher education landscape in the United States mirrors broader societal inequalities experienced by formerly incarcerated people seeking access to colleges and universities. This conceptual paper employs Ray’s theory of racialized organizations to explore how structural barriers faced by formerly incarcerated students, with a particular focus on Black men, who are disproportionately represented in both the criminal justice and higher education systems. We conclude with implications for institutional accountability and offer recommendations to support this population as we argue that without substantial shifts in policies and practices, higher education institutions will continue to perpetuate barriers rather than offer a second chance for formerly incarcerated Black men.
The collection will bring together a mix of research-informed, practice-based, reflective, collaborative, and narrative contributions. Alongside theoretical and research-informed chapters, we actively encourage more informal pieces, such as personal reflections on using library services while incarcerated or on delivering library and reading initiatives. International contributions are welcomed to enable sharing of practice across correctional systems and cultural contexts. Rather than assuming a single model of library practice or training, the book starts from the premise that provision of libraries and reading initiatives vary widely across prison systems and cultures, and that these differences offer important opportunities for mutual learning. This book is being proposed for publication as part of Routledge’s Critical Issues in Library and Information Sciences and Services series.
The collection will bring together a mix of research-informed, practice-based, reflective, collaborative, and narrative contributions. Alongside theoretical and research-informed chapters, we actively encourage more informal pieces, such as personal reflections on using library services while incarcerated or on delivering library and reading initiatives. International contributions are welcomed to enable sharing of practice across correctional systems and cultural contexts. Rather than assuming a single model of library practice or training, the book starts from the premise that provision of libraries and reading initiatives vary widely across prison systems and cultures, and that these differences offer important opportunities for mutual learning. This book is being proposed for publication as part of Routledge’s Critical Issues in Library and Information Sciences and Services series.
Why bother? What’s the point? These are questions that inevitably arise in conversations about college programs in prisons. But these questions make certain assumptions about education in general and higher education in prisons specifically. What is it, exactly, that is not worth it, according to skeptics and naysayers, about college education in prison? Ought we not to consider just what the point of education is in the first place? My position as a prisoner has given me the opportunity to contemplate the question and arrive at some insight into it.
Why bother? What’s the point? These are questions that inevitably arise in conversations about college programs in prisons. But these questions make certain assumptions about education in general and higher education in prisons specifically. What is it, exactly, that is not worth it, according to skeptics and naysayers, about college education in prison? Ought we not to consider just what the point of education is in the first place? My position as a prisoner has given me the opportunity to contemplate the question and arrive at some insight into it.
The first time I enrolled in college was in 2004 when a local private college offered classes at Greene Correctional Facility. I was 17 years old and I was only able to to complete two college classes before the college lost funding to run the program. Like many other incarcerated college students in New York, the loss of Pell and TAP grants for people in prison interrupted my educational journey. And unfortunately, it would take more than six credits for me to transform my life.
The first time I enrolled in college was in 2004 when a local private college offered classes at Greene Correctional Facility. I was 17 years old and I was only able to to complete two college classes before the college lost funding to run the program. Like many other incarcerated college students in New York, the loss of Pell and TAP grants for people in prison interrupted my educational journey. And unfortunately, it would take more than six credits for me to transform my life.
The American Library Association praised the Prison Libraries Act, introduced in January by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO-5), along with co-leads Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), and Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC-4). The bill would establish a grant program within the Department of Justice to provide library services to incarcerated individuals to advance reintegration efforts, reduce recidivism and increase educational opportunities.
The American Library Association praised the Prison Libraries Act, introduced in January by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO-5), along with co-leads Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), and Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC-4). The bill would establish a grant program within the Department of Justice to provide library services to incarcerated individuals to advance reintegration efforts, reduce recidivism and increase educational opportunities.
The recording is available from JFF's December 16, 2025, virtual learning session with Ashley Shuler and Sean Addie from the U.S. Department of Education, Sheila Meiman from NASFAA, Stephanie Gaskill from Loyola University, and Katie Dwyer from Chemeketa Community College, institutional leaders who recently navigated the PEP application process.
The recording is available from JFF's December 16, 2025, virtual learning session with Ashley Shuler and Sean Addie from the U.S. Department of Education, Sheila Meiman from NASFAA, Stephanie Gaskill from Loyola University, and Katie Dwyer from Chemeketa Community College, institutional leaders who recently navigated the PEP application process.
On January 12th, Inside Higher Ed published the article, “Prison Education May Raise Risk of Reincarceration” (subsequently changed to “Prison Education May Raise Risk of Reincarceration for Technical Violations”). The same day, we published a public statement expressing our concerns with the misleading and sensationalizing title of the article as well as some of the framework and conclusions of the cited study. On January 23rd, they published our longer Letter to the Editor.
On January 12th, Inside Higher Ed published the article, “Prison Education May Raise Risk of Reincarceration” (subsequently changed to “Prison Education May Raise Risk of Reincarceration for Technical Violations”). The same day, we published a public statement expressing our concerns with the misleading and sensationalizing title of the article as well as some of the framework and conclusions of the cited study. On January 23rd, they published our longer Letter to the Editor.
In today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifeline. For individuals who are incarcerated, the ability to effectively use digital tools can mean the difference between returning to the community prepared or being left even further behind. In applied research, RTI International and Ithaka S+R have demonstrated that providing quality access to technology in prisons and jails is a key step in preparing individuals who are incarcerated for life after release. This blog post highlights the urgency of developing digital skills as well as some promising practices and strategies for doing so.
In today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifeline. For individuals who are incarcerated, the ability to effectively use digital tools can mean the difference between returning to the community prepared or being left even further behind. In applied research, RTI International and Ithaka S+R have demonstrated that providing quality access to technology in prisons and jails is a key step in preparing individuals who are incarcerated for life after release. This blog post highlights the urgency of developing digital skills as well as some promising practices and strategies for doing so.
Jobs for the Future (JFF)’s Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) initiative strengthens statewide education-to-employment pathways for people impacted by incarceration. A core strategy of FC2A is JFF’s support for State Action Networks in four states—Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon. The Directly Impacted Advisory Board (DIAB) is a required component of each FC2A State Action Network. DIAB members bring lived experience and professional expertise to serve as trusted advisors to state agency leaders and network partners. Through this role, members help shape network strategies, policy priorities, and coordinated action plans, ensuring systems change efforts are informed by—and accountable to—the real-world experiences of people directly impacted by incarceration.
Jobs for the Future (JFF)’s Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) initiative strengthens statewide education-to-employment pathways for people impacted by incarceration. A core strategy of FC2A is JFF’s support for State Action Networks in four states—Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon. The Directly Impacted Advisory Board (DIAB) is a required component of each FC2A State Action Network. DIAB members bring lived experience and professional expertise to serve as trusted advisors to state agency leaders and network partners. Through this role, members help shape network strategies, policy priorities, and coordinated action plans, ensuring systems change efforts are informed by—and accountable to—the real-world experiences of people directly impacted by incarceration.
Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon will receive up to $2.1M in funding through Jobs for the Future initiative to increase access to education and training in correctional facilities.
Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon will receive up to $2.1M in funding through Jobs for the Future initiative to increase access to education and training in correctional facilities.
On January 12th, Inside Higher Ed published the article, “Prison Education May Raise Risk of Reincarceration” (subsequently changed to “Prison Education May Raise Risk of Reincarceration for Technical Violations”). The same day, we published this public statement expressing our concerns with the misleading and sensationalizing title of the article as well as some of the framework and conclusions of the cited study.
On January 12th, Inside Higher Ed published the article, “Prison Education May Raise Risk of Reincarceration” (subsequently changed to “Prison Education May Raise Risk of Reincarceration for Technical Violations”). The same day, we published this public statement expressing our concerns with the misleading and sensationalizing title of the article as well as some of the framework and conclusions of the cited study.
The NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is offering a fully-funded 10-week program in Computational Analysis of Infectious Diseases, which is designed specifically for formerly incarcerated undergrads and community college students. This includes: $700/week + meal & travel stipends, free housing near Yale, a free laptop for your research, and faculty mentorship and graduate student guidance. Deadline: March 1, 2026.
The NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is offering a fully-funded 10-week program in Computational Analysis of Infectious Diseases, which is designed specifically for formerly incarcerated undergrads and community college students. This includes: $700/week + meal & travel stipends, free housing near Yale, a free laptop for your research, and faculty mentorship and graduate student guidance. Deadline: March 1, 2026.
This volume offers a diverse set of scholarly essays on the imaginative potential of corrections and sentencing research/practice that centers on the lived experience of the criminal legal system. The volume includes 60 chapters written by academics, practitioners, and lived experts who are currently or formerly system-impacted. This groundbreaking and thought-provoking Handbook will appeal to academics, practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and students seeking to understand the many ways in which corrections and sentencing directly or indirectly affect a person’s daily life.
This volume offers a diverse set of scholarly essays on the imaginative potential of corrections and sentencing research/practice that centers on the lived experience of the criminal legal system. The volume includes 60 chapters written by academics, practitioners, and lived experts who are currently or formerly system-impacted. This groundbreaking and thought-provoking Handbook will appeal to academics, practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and students seeking to understand the many ways in which corrections and sentencing directly or indirectly affect a person’s daily life.
Around 50 incarcerated women have earned degrees from Marian University since 2019.
Around 50 incarcerated women have earned degrees from Marian University since 2019.
Workforce Pell is an initiative established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that marks a significant change in federal financial aid policy and is set to be implemented July 1, 2026. This Explainer synthesizes existing public information and stakeholder perspectives on the initiative to provide an overview of the evolving landscape of this funding in the context of its implications for the field of higher education in prison.
Workforce Pell is an initiative established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that marks a significant change in federal financial aid policy and is set to be implemented July 1, 2026. This Explainer synthesizes existing public information and stakeholder perspectives on the initiative to provide an overview of the evolving landscape of this funding in the context of its implications for the field of higher education in prison.
JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement is accepting applications for its 2026 Fair Chance to Advance Fellows program, a professional development opportunity for leaders with records of arrest, conviction, or incarceration in the U.S.
JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement is accepting applications for its 2026 Fair Chance to Advance Fellows program, a professional development opportunity for leaders with records of arrest, conviction, or incarceration in the U.S.
PEN America’s Incarcerated Writers Bureau (IWB) connects authors and audiences across carceral walls. The IWB was developed to showcase the literary talent of incarcerated writers in the United States, and to equip publishing professionals, agents, journalists, and advocacy organizations with the tools and information to work across prison walls.
PEN America’s Incarcerated Writers Bureau (IWB) connects authors and audiences across carceral walls. The IWB was developed to showcase the literary talent of incarcerated writers in the United States, and to equip publishing professionals, agents, journalists, and advocacy organizations with the tools and information to work across prison walls.
This report, completed in partnership between the American Institutes of Research and the Alliance for Higher Education, presents the findings of an exploratory study and national scan of state laws, policies, and practices related to work-based learning (WBL) in prisons. It identifies cross-cutting themes, gaps in policy and practice, and recommendations for strengthening WBL across prison settings.
This report, completed in partnership between the American Institutes of Research and the Alliance for Higher Education, presents the findings of an exploratory study and national scan of state laws, policies, and practices related to work-based learning (WBL) in prisons. It identifies cross-cutting themes, gaps in policy and practice, and recommendations for strengthening WBL across prison settings.
The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is deeply concerned about the proposed language in Substitute House Bill 338, which would significantly limit educational opportunities for people who are incarcerated in Ohio. In response, we sent a letter to Ohio state legislators outlining our concerns and urging reconsideration. We encourage those who live and/or work in Ohio to make their voices heard ASAP!
The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is deeply concerned about the proposed language in Substitute House Bill 338, which would significantly limit educational opportunities for people who are incarcerated in Ohio. In response, we sent a letter to Ohio state legislators outlining our concerns and urging reconsideration. We encourage those who live and/or work in Ohio to make their voices heard ASAP!
Abstract: The recent expansion of higher education programming in prison risks increasing inequality for disabled students who lack equitable access to these opportunities. Through a cumulative (dis)advantage framework, we describe existing educational pathway barriers to postsecondary education for incarcerated individuals with disabilities, demonstrating disability-related inequality in access to, and benefits from, prison education. Accordingly, we present a preliminary model of systemic improvements—Disability Identification, Integration, and Inclusion (DI3). The model provides a foundation for policy and practice recommendations to create equitable pathways to postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities in correctional settings.
Abstract: The recent expansion of higher education programming in prison risks increasing inequality for disabled students who lack equitable access to these opportunities. Through a cumulative (dis)advantage framework, we describe existing educational pathway barriers to postsecondary education for incarcerated individuals with disabilities, demonstrating disability-related inequality in access to, and benefits from, prison education. Accordingly, we present a preliminary model of systemic improvements—Disability Identification, Integration, and Inclusion (DI3). The model provides a foundation for policy and practice recommendations to create equitable pathways to postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities in correctional settings.
University of Utah education researchers have been awarded $8 million to launch the first national center dedicated to prison education research and leadership. A team led by Erin Castro, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy, will use the grant to establish the Prison Education Action Research Lab, or PEARL, to advance educational justice for people and communities impacted by incarceration. The lab will serve as a vital resource in a growing field in need of the next generation of researchers, leaders and practitioners focused on prison education.
University of Utah education researchers have been awarded $8 million to launch the first national center dedicated to prison education research and leadership. A team led by Erin Castro, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy, will use the grant to establish the Prison Education Action Research Lab, or PEARL, to advance educational justice for people and communities impacted by incarceration. The lab will serve as a vital resource in a growing field in need of the next generation of researchers, leaders and practitioners focused on prison education.
MDRC drew on existing research to identify opportunities to build more evidence about best practices to assist students who are pursuing higher education in prison and after release. To inform a research agenda that would be useful to program practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and students, the research team had several dozen conversations with college program staff members, college administrators, academic researchers, state officials, people working to assist individuals while incarcerated or who have recently been released, and students. This brief offers insights and recommendations from conversations with students and the staff members who work closest to them to inform more responsive research efforts on higher education for students who are incarcerated or have recently been released.
MDRC drew on existing research to identify opportunities to build more evidence about best practices to assist students who are pursuing higher education in prison and after release. To inform a research agenda that would be useful to program practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and students, the research team had several dozen conversations with college program staff members, college administrators, academic researchers, state officials, people working to assist individuals while incarcerated or who have recently been released, and students. This brief offers insights and recommendations from conversations with students and the staff members who work closest to them to inform more responsive research efforts on higher education for students who are incarcerated or have recently been released.
