This is a final report to the U.S. Attorney General summarizing the findings from RAND's literature review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of correctional education programs for incarcerated adults. It also includes a systematic review of correctional education programs for juveniles; the results of a national survey of state correctional education directors, which includes an up-to-date picture of what the field of correctional education looks today in the U.S. and explores the use of computer technology, preparations for the 2014 GED program, and the impact of the 2008 recession; and a set of recommendations on improvements needed to further the field of correctional education.

This article from Ithaka S+R outlines current research, and some initial interventions, on equitable practices that ensure incarcerated students with disabilities have access to postsecondary education.

This is an announcement of Ithaka S+R's new online forum.

On September 29, 2023, Ithaka S+R hosted a webinar, “Pell 101: Information for Librarians and Those Serving People in Prison,” to share information about the restoration of Pell funding for students who are incarcerated. Panelists included prison education journalist and Open Campus reporter Charlotte West, Vera Institute of Justice Associate Initiative Director Ruth Delaney, and NASFAA Education Specialist Sheila Meiman. The webinar recording, along with additional resources, are shared here.

In this interview from Ithaka S+R, Dr. Jenifer K. Montag, director of disability services at Marion Technical College, discusses her work as a researcher-practitioner, the challenges of providing disability services to postsecondary students in prison, and what needs to change for equitable access to education inside.

This report from Ithaka S+R summarizes the results of a scan of media review directives from all 50 states and the District of Columbia for their respective state departments of corrections.

This blog post details how DOC education leadership and staff were planning to respond to the restoration of Pell Grants for incarcerated college students.

Ithaka S+R’s letter to the Department of Education outlines their concerns and provides recommendations that would help ensure that people who are incarcerated in the United States are provided the opportunity to participate in and benefit from a quality education.

This timely manual presents a new perspective on teaching and learning focused on countering the impacts of trauma on adults’ ability to learn. Within its detailed and useful approaches, Daniels provides a road map for building a trauma-responsive teaching practice grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care, and emphasizing the need for educators to develop a rigorous practice of self-care.　

This video from the Education Justice Project features interviews with Education Justice Project alumni having very frank conversations on topics such as mental health, social expectations, fear and surprise, mindfulness, family relationships, and more.

Mend, a publication from Project Mend of Syracuse University, celebrates the lives and creative work of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people as well as individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. This annual publication showcases writing of all types, including fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. While prospective authors may submit pieces that describe their experiences with incarceration, the publication welcomes contributions on any topic.

In this single-volume book, a group of incarcerated women at the Indiana Women’s Prison have assembled a chronicle of what was originally known as the Indiana Reformatory Institute for Women and Girls, founded in 1873 as the first separate prison for women in the United States.

In this webinar hosted by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), experts on administering financial aid in prison settings discuss what financial aid administrators and prison education practitioners can do to ensure they are prepared to effectively support incarcerated learners with Pell Grant eligibility.

Learn tips to successfully administer Pell Grants for incarcerated students and gain an understanding of the existing regulations and guidance impacting prison education programs and the tools available to assist the financial aid and prison education communities when serving this student population.

Graduated Justice is a monthly podcast that features conversations with individuals from the higher education in prison community, brought to you by Tennessee Higher Education Initiative. The hosts strive to find opportunities for autonomy and success within these conversations.

Graduated Justice embraces diversity and inclusion and recognizes our responsibility to foster an open, welcoming environment where every person, regardless of background, identity, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality can be their authentic selves. We value the benefits that arise from diverse experiences and are committed to providing content that expose some to new knowledge while supporting others as they connect to their identities. We also strive to acknowledge the complexity of intersecting identities by respecting the uniqueness of each individual.

In 2022, Ithaka S+R launched a nationwide survey that would help determine the national landscape for access to educational technology in prison education programs. The survey asked respondents about student access to technology in their higher education in prison program, collecting demographic information before focusing on four thematic areas: technological devices, learning management systems and software, network connection and internet access, and future technology plans. The findings from this survey are presented in this report.

A blog post about how indifference can show up in small technical moments in a formerly incarcerated student's education journey, and how those moments can contribute to continued systemic trauma.

The Rise Up Conference seeks to liberate higher education during and after prison. It highlights the role of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people in birthing this movement, the ways in which these spaces have been occupied by others, the assets we offer to these spaces, and the ways in which allies can help foster liberation. The conference also provides perspectives on higher education during and after prison that are unique to those with lived expertise.

An FAQ on Pell Grants put together with common questions crowdsourced from people inside.

A biweekly newsletter about the future of postsecondary education in prisons. Written by Open Campus staff reporter Charlotte West. Webpage includes links to previous print issues.

In this blog post, author and educator Em Daniels offers recommendations for colleges wanting to help returning students.