"One of the stipulations was that colleges would provide them with the same access to resources that on-campus students have, including academic supports, career advising, tutoring, mental health resources and study halls. However, a recently published report from the University of Puget Sound finds that this provision has been difficult to fulfill, in part because of prison systems, but also because of the overly bureaucratic processes at higher ed institutions themselves."
"What's the need: Higher education programs in prisons can help incarcerated individuals improve their educational attainment and career opportunities upon release, as well as increase socioeconomic mobility for affected individuals and their families. Providing education to incarcerated individuals, however, can be a challenge due to their lack of access to technology and learning materials, restrictions on when they can participate and policies like lockdowns that impede learning opportunities."
Congress reinstated Pell Grants for incarcerated students in 2023 with a requirement that colleges provide those students the same access to academic supports, advising, tutoring, mental health resources and study halls as on-campus peers. Prison rules, staff practices, lockdowns, restricted schedules, and limited access to technology, books and outside faculty contact impede learning and collaboration. Many incarcerated students cannot access research databases, learning management systems, disability services, tutoring or mental health supports. Surveys of alumni and faculty and interviews with 25 stakeholders documented bureaucratic barriers within higher education institutions and correctional policies. Opportunities include streamlining college processes, improving prison-college coordination and expanding technology and supports.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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