Higher Education in Prison
In 2020, Congress reinstated Pell Grant eligibility to incarcerated students nationwide, reversing a quarter-century of failed policy. Participation in higher education has repeatedly been shown to reduce recidivism (by 43% or more), bolster employment and earnings outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering society, and even improve safety and stability within prisons. Starting in 2023, the more than 120,000 people currently confined in Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities will be eligible to access federal financial aid to support their educational endeavors.
By convening stakeholders, engaging with federal rulemaking, and advocating for legislation at the state level, Texas Appleseed seeks to foster a higher education system within TDCJ facilities that is grounded in the principles of access, quality, and equity.
Highlights:
- One-Pager: Support Higher Education & Workforce Training in Texas Prisons (April, 2023)
- Blog Post: Higher Education in Texas Prisons: What We All Have to Gain (March, 2023)
- Issue Brief: The Benefit of Higher Ed in TX Prisons (Februrary, 2023)
- Blog Post: “Second Chance” Pell Grants Present Enormous Opportunity for Texas (November 16, 2021)