The Role of Higher Education in the Reintegration of Formerly Incarcerated Youth

• In Event: Understanding Structural and Social Hurdles After Incarceration

Abstract

As higher education expands its role in criminal justice reform, increasing attention is given to how postsecondary education impacts reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. This study explores the role of higher education in shaping behavior, fostering prosocial decision-making, and improving reentry success among justice-involved youth. The research seeks to answer:
1. How does participation in higher education impact decision-making and behavioral change post-incarceration?
2. How do justice-involved individuals perceive education’s role in their reintegration?
3. What barriers exist for justice-involved individuals seeking higher education, and what strategies support their success?
Through semi-structured interviews with up to 20 formerly incarcerated individuals, this study identifies themes in how higher education facilitates reentry, enhances self-efficacy, and fosters social reintegration. Preliminary findings suggest that college enrollment is associated with increased resilience, identity shifts, and improved employment. However, participants report systemic barriers such as stigma, financial limitations, and lack of institutional support.
This study provides policy-relevant insights into higher education as a reentry strategy, highlighting best practices to expand educational access. Findings will inform higher education administrators, criminal justice reform advocates, and policymakers working to improve reintegration outcomes.

Authors

• Melanie Janay Prudhomme, Prairie View A&M University

• Serita Whiting, Prairie View A&M University