Education provides the opportunity to learn, grow and develop into a better human being. In the prison system, it is important to improve inmates’ education and teach the necessary skills for a successful re-entry to society.
According to the United States Department of Justice, 68 percent of incarcerated individuals do not have a high school diploma or GED. This can cause inmates to feel uncomfortable and inadequate in an environment where education equals stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that 73 percent of jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED. Without having an education it is harder to gain employment, but with a conviction attached to their name it makes it seem impossible. Ex-felons have limited career opportunities. One way to ensure an improvement in their career opportunities is through education. This causes ex-convicts to rely on what they know, which can land them back in the prison system. According to the Alabama Department of Corrections, Alabama’s recidivism rate is 33 percent in three years. With more educated inmates, these numbers could be much lower.
Most prisons offer courses for the incarcerated to earn a GED. This diploma will increase their success on the outside tremendously. After earning a GED, the Bureau of Labor statistics states the job pool opens ups to 66 percent of available job opportunities.
Being able to receive a higher education creates even more opportunities. Auburn University founded the Alabama Prison Arts and Education Project in 2003. This program offers 173 classes to 2155 students over 10 Alabama prisons. APAEP has 12 instructors from three universities: Auburn University, University of Alabama and Auburn University at Montgomery. Classes are generally over 14 week periods. These classes have a variety of subjects ranging from African-American Literature to Intro to Engineering. While these classes do not qualify for college credit, they are designed as an outlet for inmates to better themselves as individuals. These courses provide the students with knowledge that will benefit them after being released and also make their time behind bars meaningful. They are developing their knowledge and social skills by being in a classroom and studying in their free time.
The Second Chance pell pilot program began 2015 offering inmates the opportunity to earn a higher education certificate or degree. Sixty-seven colleges and universities across the United States will participate in the program. There are three participating institutions in Alabama: Calhoun Community College, Ingram State Technical College and Auburn University. Calhoun Community College has 110 eligible students from Limestone Correctional Facility. Ingram State Technical College has 426 eligible students from Donaldson, Draper, Elmore, Staton, Frank Lee Work Center and Tutwiler Prison for Women. These students will receive a certificate of higher education. Auburn University is joining the pell program this year and will offer 20 eligible inmates the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree over the course of six years.
Education establishes the ground work for a progressive future. Starting off simple by earning a GED can move mountains for released convicts and receiving higher education only widens the scope of possibilities. These educational programs create opportunities for inmates to move forward from their mistakes and better their lives while serving time behind bars.
By Samantha Banks
