Nearly two million people are incarcerated across federal, state, local and tribal systems in the United States.
Among those, 95% will be released to rejoin their communities, but many lack access to training and education that will help them transition successfully. Research shows that higher education access in prison increases the odds of securing employment after release, decreases the likelihood of recidivism and contributes to increased levels of hope for learners.
This Policy Outline highlights three levers policymakers can use to increase access to higher education for people who are incarcerated and shows how several states have begun this work.
To learn more about this issue:
- Read this blog post on our 2023-25 Chair's Initiative that aims to expand education access for people impacted by the justice system.
- Check out our Partnering for Success webinar recording featuring a panel of experts on the topic.
- Explore this 50-State Comparison that shows barriers to financial aid that students impacted by the justice system face at the state level.
