Dive Brief:
- A federal Pell grant project and additional state funds for prisoner education are bringing several California community colleges to the table for new partnerships.
- President Barack Obama move to restore Pell grant eligibility for certain inmates has angered Congressional Republicans who have argued that he is overstepping his role, but many supporters point to the later cost savings in reduced recidivism of educated former inmates.
- A $2 million, 18-month pilot program in California will pair a handful of community colleges with nearby prisons and offer two or three courses per semester to a small group of students who will ultimately have the chance to complete liberal arts degrees.
Dive Insight:
Research has shown that full-time employment for former prisoners is one of the key links keeping them in their communities and outside of jail. Education is an important step toward employment opportunity. But as Obama’s Pell Grant announcement gained praise from supporters, others pointed out that 75% of inmates are illiterate and in need of GEDs before any post-secondary courses.
Higher education institutions interested in taking advantage of the new Pell grant flexibility from the White House should consider targeted interventions, keeping in mind that community colleges may need to spend more time offering high school equivalency options than even introductory coursework.