NCJ Number
246994
Date Published
2014
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This report presents the goals and implementation of the project Pathways From Prison to Postsecondary Education, a 5-year national initiative to increase education and employment opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals by supporting an expansion of educational opportunities in prison and subsequent entry into higher education after release.
Abstract
This effort involves partnerships between colleges, prison and parole officials, and community and business leaders in selected States. The States selected for participation in the project are New Jersey (six prisons and seven colleges and universities); North Carolina (seven prisons and seven community colleges); and Michigan (two prisons and two colleges). These selected States will receive at least $1 million in incentive funding and must provide a 25-percent match. The Vera Institute of Justice is the national intermediary, providing technical assistance and resource supports. The project offers in-prison and post-release post-secondary education, which is provided by accredited local colleges and universities. The project includes vocational, developmental, GED, and college readiness courses, as well as academic support services. There are State-specific eligibility criteria for male and female participants in the program. Courses, degrees, and certification programs will be aligned with local labor market trends. Other features of the project are a transfer of college credits from prison courses to colleges in the community, partnerships with local employers, parole supervision that supports project goals, and intensive supportive reentry services. A national project advisory board includes leaders in corrections, higher education, philanthropy, workforce development, and reentry services. The project is funded by five leading foundations. Information on the project's implementation in each of the three States includes the names of the prisons and higher education institutions involved in the program, the names of the pilot communities within the State, eligibility criteria, and key program components.