The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on rehabilitative programs, including education programs, that are provided in state prison systems. State and federal correctional systems implemented a variety of policies to prevent or contain the spread of COVID-19 within this population. As part of this response, many correctional systems ceased or substantially cut back on programming starting in 2020; this included shutting down ongoing education and workforce training programs, as well as other programs and activities, and preventing instructors and other staff from entering prison…
This resource explores essential guidelines and best practices for data use agreements in postsecondary education in prison programs.
With support from the Ascendium Education Group and the Ichigo Foundation, Jobs for the Future’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement is excited to launch the Normalizing Education Collective (the Collective), a year-long community of practice designed to support non-profit postsecondary institutions nationwide as they explore building or expanding high-quality postsecondary pathways in prison that…
Hi everyone!
I was wondering if anyone had any experience paying individuals who participate in research projects, in the form of honorariums, while they are incarcerated? Our organization has never used JPAY and it seems to be one of the only options available. We could always provide a gift card, mail a check or send payment to someone else who could then deposit it in their accounts, but this doesn't seem accessible to all individuals and not sure a check would be accepted by the department of corrections and pretty sure gift cards are a no. Any guidance would be appreciated and…
Breaking Barriers: Bridging Worlds in Prison Education and Student Advising
From June 14-16, 2024, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) is hosting a unique convening focused on policies, techniques, and practices for providing the full suite of advising services for students who are incarcerated. prison education programs (PEPs) need to ensure they are operating in the "best interest of the students" per the regulations, in order to retain their right to administer financial aid. Equitable high-quality advising plays a major role in this. But…
Ithaka S+R has released a new report examining how the interstitial nature of higher education in prison programs, caught between correctional and college systems, puts increased pressure on educators and students on the inside. This, in turn, creates self-censorship concerns and surveillance issues, and raises questions about the equity of educational experience on the inside.
On Wednesday, March 27, from 2:00-3:15 p.m. ET, NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) will host a free and publicly available webinar. See below for a description and links to register.
The Financials of Prison Education Programs
March 27, 2024, 2:00 PM ET | 75 minutes
Price: Free
Prison education programs (PEPs) and the institutions they are part of need to manage their financials, and there are a variety of ways they do this. The issues of affordability, cost management, and financial forecasting can be challenging.…
Good morning all,
I hope this finds you well. I am reaching out to those who are offering educational programming (BA/AA/certificate program) inside BOP facilities. I was part of the team that created the BA program inside Pelican Bay State Prison (Cal Poly Humboldt), and am now working with Cal State Long Beach Project Rebound on building an education program inside, so I am somewhat familiar with the relationship between the university and state facilities (CDCR), but have questions about working with the federal system. I am working towards building a program in California…
Hey, everybody!
I want to take this week's post as an opportunity to uplift my girl, Brittany LaMarr! Brittany is a formerly incarcerated prison education advocate, and works with the National Prison Debate League (and was instrumental in making arrangements for the establishment and launch of the MCC Women's Debate team, along with NPDL Director Daniel Throop).
It has been my pleasure to have been a co-speaker with Brittany to discuss our support for the New England Board of Higher Education's Commission on the Future of Education in Prison's report recommendations to…
Many universities, community colleges, certificate/technical and vocational programs, and non-accredited courses have already joined the growing HEP community, and with the expansion of Pell, it is now more important than ever for educators hoping to make a foray into prison education spaces to have resources and guidance to start their prison education partnership program.
If you've ever wondered, how does a HEP or a PEP get started? Never fear! The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators has constructed a resource page to help those who are looking to enter…
