Pell Grant — Social and Economic Issues — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

The Private Sector Weighs In on Pell Grants in Prisons

“Senator Brian Schatz, a Hawaii Democrat, has introduced legislation to overturn the ban, called the REAL Act, which has received support from organizations across the ideological spectrum. In a statement endorsing the legislation, Craig Silliman, executive vice president and chief administrative, legal and public policy officer at Verizon, cited arguments that have made the proposal popular even among conservative groups -- reduced recidivism among degree holders, cost savings for states and greater economic opportunity for students. Silliman also said restoring Pell Grants in prisons matches investments the company has made in support of tech education.“

Inside Higher Ed

October 11, 2019

EducationPhillip ReevesOctober 11, 2019Inside Higher Ed, Verizon, Brian Schatz, Pell GrantComment

Betsy DeVos backs Prison Fellowship push to increase inmates' access to college education

““Education is the ticket to the future for just about anyone and everyone,” DeVos said. “So we should be embracing these opportunities for brothers and sisters who are behind bars today who will be in our communities and with their families and giving them a means for a purpose … and giving them that kind of opportunity to pursue the next right thing for themselves.”“

The Christian Post

October 2, 2019

EducationPhillip ReevesOctober 2, 2019The Christian Post, Betsy DeVos, Prison Fellowship, Pell GrantComment

Congress Considers Making College More Accessible To People In Prison

“Inmates are among the least-educated people in America. That's despite research that shows education is one of the most effective ways to keep people from coming back to prison. Now, there's renewed interest in giving adults behind bars better access to higher education. A new bipartisan bill in Congress would allow incarcerated people to use federal Pell Grants — designed for low-income students — to pay for higher education, including college classes and workforce training.“

NPR

April 20, 2019

EducationPhillip ReevesApril 20, 2019NPR, Pell GrantComment

Congress Should Pass The REAL Act And Make Prisoners Eligible For Pell Grants Again

“Ending the ban on Pell grants for prisoners thereby making higher education more accessible for inmates is the right thing to do. And it’s the smart thing to do. Here’s the evidence, much of it contained in a recent report by the Vera Institute, generally regarded as one of the most comprehensive studies available on the topic.“

Forbes

April 15, 2019

EducationPhillip ReevesApril 15, 2019Forbes, Real Act, Pell GrantComment

Restore Pell Grant eligibility to people in prison

“How to play bridge. Current events. Crochet for beginners. These were some of the continuing “education” classes available to me and others at Cumberland Federal Prison Camp in Maryland, where I served a year and a half. High school graduates looking for more meaningful educational opportunities had few options, thanks in part to a 25-year-old ban on people in prison being eligible for Pell Grants. A bipartisan bill being introduced today would remove that ban and open the door to rehabilitation, dignity and safety for those in federal and state prisons around the country.“

The Hill

April 9, 2019

EducationPhillip ReevesApril 9, 2019The Hill, Pell GrantComment

Study urges Pell grant funding for prison education programs

“Lifting the ban on Pell Grant funding could help nearly 500,000 incarcerated people, including nearly 11,000 Georgians, according to the study by the Vera Institute of Justice and the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality. The ban on grants to prisoners was part of the 1994 crime bill.“

Atlanta Journal Constitution

January 17, 2019

EducationPhillip ReevesJanuary 17, 2019Atlanta Journal Constitution, Pell GrantComment

Why Prison Reform Must Include Pell Grant Access

“Not every prisoner in America will want a college degree, of course. But we should insist that every prisoner who seeks one remains eligible for federal student aid, just as other citizens are. Some voters will surely bridle at the prospect of their tax dollars’ assisting offenders. But we already do that by paying huge sums to imprison people over and over again. And the best way to ensure that they don’t go back to jail is by offering them help in going to college.“

Chronicle of Higher Education

November 19, 2018

EducationPhillip ReevesNovember 19, 2018Chronicle of Higher Education, Pell GrantComment

Social and Economic Issues

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