Roundtable: College in Prison: Creating Successful Programs

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

Prior to 1994, incarcerated students relied on Federal Pell Grants to pay for their college education. In 1994 the elimination of Pell Grants for people in prison drastically reduced their chances of getting a degree. Regardless of this change, some states have been able to maintain, or develop, prison college programs through private or foundation funding. While funding such programs is often the biggest challenge, implementing them inside correctional facilities creates many obstacles. This roundtable will focus on successful prison college programs already in operation, and programs currently being developed. Strategies on how to be successful, and how to overcome implementation barriers will be highlighted.

Sub Unit

• Area XIII: Roundtable Sessions

Chair

• Andrea Cantora, University of Baltimore

Discussants

• Barbara Roswell, Goucher Prison Education Partnership (GPEP)

• James E. Sutton, Hobart & William Smith Colleges

• Trish Morris, California State University, Sacramento