Adult Education Prepares Inmates for a Second Chance

Adult education helps inmates have a better chance of leading a productive life once they re-join the community.

Participation in correctional education reduces re-arrest, re-convictions, and recidivism, yet federal funding accounts for less than 10% of the support for correctional education in prisons (Correctional Education Program Three State Study 2001). Federal and state corrections facilities held over 1.6 million prisoners at the end of 2009, 2 out of 5 of whom lacked a high school diploma or its equivalent. 95% of all prisoners will be released back to the community at some point (CSG Justice Center). In 2008-2009, over 55% of the 42,204 corrections students achieved their goal of attaining a GED credential (National Reporting System, Table 10).

What’s the Issue?

Crime and safety are every community’s concern. Adult education can help inmates and parolees integrate and contribute to their community.  Learn more.

What Do We Need to Do?

We need to raise awareness of adult education issues nationwide, increase access to adult education services reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act now, and make adult education and family literacy an integral part of the solution in addressing national priorities.

How Can You Help?

See what quick actions you can take now to support adult education: