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The Importance of Funding Postsecondary Correctional Educational Programs

North Carolina State University, Raleigh

The correctional population in the United States has increased dramatically in the past two decades and shows no sign of tapering off. In addition, the recidivism rates of those inmates who are released are high. Consequently, various constituencies have questioned how the number of inmates who return to the correctional population can be reduced. It has been empirically established that the more education acquired by inmates the less likely they are to return to the correctional population. However, funding for postsecondary correctional education (PSCE) programs has been neglected by the federal government, resulting in limited opportunities for inmates to participate in PSCE programs. This article profiles the prisoner population in the United States, describes three state correctional education programs in which community college play a central role, and makes the case for additional fiscal support for PSCE programs.

Key Words: correctional education • student financial aid • recidivism • return on investment

Community College Review, Vol. 37, No. 2, 153-164 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0091552109348044


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