By Autumn Walden, Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
While popular media often portrays life after prison release through the lens of “one last heist,” revenge plots, or criminal recidivism, a more meaningful revolution is taking place behind prison walls: the power of education to facilitate a learner’s successful re-entry into society. Inside correctional facilities across America, innovative educational programs are breaking down barriers to learning and opportunity. From secure digital platforms to traditional classroom settings, these programs are transforming how incarcerated individuals prepare for life after release. While some facilities utilize technology solutions like tablets and online portals, others partner directly with colleges and universities to bring higher education inside prison walls.
Through the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Prison Education Program (PEP) initiative, accredited colleges and universities can partner with correctional facilities to offer qualifying education programs, creating learning pathways that were blocked off or unknown to this population. The impact of these programs extends far beyond the classroom. When institutions of higher education partner with correctional facilities, they must meet rigorous standards and oversight requirements to ensure program quality.
This is why AACRAO is launching a new Prison Education Project Work Group, a collaboration building upon the NASFAA program. This collaboration will develop a comprehensive toolkit and resources to support the effective administration of postsecondary education programs within correctional facilities.
“There are nearly 1.8 million incarcerated persons in the United States,” AACRAO Executive Director Melanie Gottlieb said. “Higher education is a powerful transformational tool that can equip and empower them to contribute meaningfully as they reintegrate into their communities. The contributions of AACRAO members to developing leading practices in prison program delivery will ensure that these learners are set up for success.”
This is a unique opportunity for AACRAO members to leverage the power of education to transform lives. You have the opportunity to shape the future of prison education directly. As a member of this work group, you'll collaborate with fellow professionals to develop valuable resources, policies, and practices to improve education access and success for incarcerated learners, ensuring their learning is accurate, documented, verifiable, and, therefore, trusted.
If you are interested in participating, please visit our PEP project work group page to submit a brief statement of interest outlining your relevant experience and expertise by February 17. Members with past or present experience in administering these programs will be prioritized, but this is not required.
Project Goals:
Review and enhance existing resources for prison education administration.
Develop clear guidance on FERPA compliance and data privacy.
Develop a toolkit for institutional support.
Create standardized data collection and reporting practices.
Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among institutions.
Develop training and technical assistance resources.
Help us build a community of practice for professionals in this field.
Join us in ensuring every learner’s journey is one that allows opportunity, dignity, and second chances.