Resource Community Higher Education in Prison

In collaboration with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Vera Institute of Justice created this guidebook for accreditors and their peer reviewers, providing insight into the unique context and goals of postsecondary education in correctional facilities.

This webinar spotlights Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP) Centers. These centers, which currently operate in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, connect individuals reentering their community with employment in manufacturing.

This webinar spotlights Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP) Centers. These centers, which currently operate in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, connect individuals reentering their community with employment in manufacturing.

A meta-analysis of 37 years of research (1980-2017) on correctional education and applied meta-analytic techniques.

A meta-analysis of 18 eligible studies of educational interventions implemented within juvenile correctional facilities.

An article reviewing key findings from a review of correctional education programs for incarcerated adults and juveniles. The study included a meta-analysis of CE's effects on the post-release recidivism and employment rates of incarcerated adults, as well as a synthesis of evidence on CE programs for juveniles.

An infographic outlining key findings from a RAND report titled "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education."

A blog post advocating for equitable, student-centered technology ecosystem for correctional education. An ED resource (provided elsewhere in our library) is referenced at the end of the post.

The Reentry Education Tool Kit was created by RTI International with support from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE), to help education providers and their partners create a reentry education continuum in their communities.

The current study examines how academic achievement—measured as verbal and math performance—is associated with prison programming and reentry.

This paper describes an effort to address the lack of policy-relevant data on correctional education: the Correctional Education Data Guidebook and Web site and the research projects that led to their development.

Project announcement about how Ithaka S+R and Ennead Lab are launching a two-year research and design project to both understand how space acts as a limiting factor on the quality and scalability of higher education in prison and propose solutions to mitigate these challenges.

Recording from the San Francisco Public Library's Banned Books event.

Meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of correctional education programming.

Drawing on past RAND research on correctional education and focusing on the Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative and the Pathways from Prison to Postsecondary Education initiative in North Carolina, this Perspective summarizes research on the effectiveness of educational programs in helping to reduce recidivism, key lessons learned in providing college programs to incarcerated adults, and remaining issues that need to be addressed, including how to ensure long-term funding of in-prison college programs and the need for an outcomes evaluation to learn from the Experimental Initiative.

RAND and RTI International researchers conducted an independent evaluation of the North Carolina Pathways Program, examining the implementation of the in-prison and community components of the program, the experiences of Pathways students and staff, factors that facilitated or hindered their participation in the program, and lessons learned.

This guide is intended to be a starting point for corrections officials who are considering partnering with a college to implement an in-prison college program within their prison facilities or who currently have such a program and would like additional information to help ensure the success of that program.

After conducting a comprehensive literature search, the authors undertook a meta-analysis to examine the association between correctional education and reductions in recidivism, improvements in employment after release from prison, and learning in math and in reading.

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, including 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.

Announcement of ITHAKA'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.

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.

Blog post detailing 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 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 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.

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. We 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 accessibility 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.

In 2022, Ithaka S+R launched a nationwide survey that would help determine the national landscape for accessibility 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.

In 2022, Ithaka S+R launched a nationwide survey that would help determine the national landscape for accessibility 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.

Blog post about how indifference can show up in small technical moments in a formerly incarcerated students' education journey and how those moments can contribute to continued systemic trauma.

Blog post about how indifference can show up in small technical moments in a formerly incarcerated students' education journey and how those moments can contribute to continued systemic trauma.

Blog post about how indifference can show up in small technical moments in a formerly incarcerated students' 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.

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.

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.

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.

Recommendations for colleges wanting to help returning students.

Recommendations for building a network of stakeholders, organizations, community members, etc., in HEP work.