Can You Continue With Education and Student Life After Being Imprisoned?

Although the chatter about "free education for inmates" is a myth, there is still some truth to it. Therefore, if you know someone in grand prairie jail, especially a student, you might be wondering how badly their education and this career would be affected if they serve time.

It is true that certain undergraduate programs are available for inmates. They can enroll and complete their degree much like a normal student. However, they will have to opt for a university that caters to such programs and, unfortunately, the list is not long. Additionally, some institutes have moved these courses online making it even more difficult for inmates to access since they are not allowed internet services within jail.

What Are State Prisons Doing In This Regards?

Some prisons have set up programs in collaboration with local colleges and universities. In exchange for a small additional fee or other perks, these educational institutes provide a range of courses to inmates that are not possible to find elsewhere.

What if you happen to be in prison that has not partnered with any such local school?

Although that is bad news which will obviously complicate the entire process of enrolling in a university program, you will be allowed to seek help from friends and family members.

Is The Availability of Courses The Only Problem That Inmates Face When It Comes To Education?

It is not possible to ignore another important factor here i.e. money.

When you are serving time, it is hardly likely that you will be making any money but, at the same time, degree programs require that you pay for the courses. It is also extremely difficult to score a scholarship under such conditions. Most students in prison do not have access to grants or student loans. Therefore, the problem of not having enough funds for the course needs to be addressed.

Luckily, some states now have prisons that require inmates to attend subsidized diploma programs instead of working. Since these are backed up by the federal and state government, the education is completely free. Certain vocational programs are a free option as well. In fact, there are many of these available but it largely depends on where the prison facility is.

Take-Home Message

Providing education to inmates is crucial especially now when the majority of the people who are locked up are those still in academic years. Moreover, such educational programs have been known to reduce criminal recidivism and improve their financial conditions past jail time.

In this regard, the facilities in prison are still lagging and lots of work needs to be done. However, certain changes, once implemented, would dramatically improve the future prospects of setting free education in prison. As a result, inmates would be able receive proper guidance and earn reasonable college and university degrees that they can use once their jail time ends.