NCJ Number
193342
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 157-159
Date Published
December 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This study examined the benefits of inmate education programs and reviewed programs successful in educating inmates and reducing recidivism.
Abstract
Harer’s 1995 study of Federal inmates revealed that the more years of schooling inmates had completed when beginning their prison term, the less likely they were to recidivate and that recidivism rates were inversely related to educational program participation while in prison. Inmate education programs that have helped inmates to reenter mainstream society successfully and to have low recidivism rates include the Student Transition Education Employment Program (STEEP), Pell Grants, Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), and the Private Sector Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIE). STEEP no longer operates due to lack of Federal funding. It offered training in building maintenance, introductory electrical, and plumbing installation and repair, as well as life skills and work readiness. The federally funded Pell Grants are another funding source no longer available to inmates. Pell grants enabled inmates who could not afford higher education to pursue technical trade skills, associate degrees, and baccalaureate degrees. FPI began in 1934 and uses work programs to provide inmate training. PIE is similar to FPI and allows all jurisdictions to form partnerships with the private sector to form industry programs. These programs must obtain certification through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Obstacles associated with inmate education include the remediation often needed to build skills to enable the inmate to enter a training program, lack of an adequate physical plant and teaching supplies, difficulties in hiring qualified faculty and staff, high student turnover, multi-educational involvement, and scheduling. The cost is small when compared to the cost of reincarceration, but taxpayers need convincing that paying a little more now for inmate education will save much more in the long term. 5 references