By: Marcy Paulson

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with almost 1.8 million individuals imprisoned. After being released, we know that within three years, two-thirds of these prisoners will be arrested for new offenses, and over half will return to prison.

“The high rate of parolees who commit new crimes and return to prison strains our correctional system,” explains Percy Pitzer, the founder of the Pitzer Family Education Foundation (PFEF). “It places a heavy burden on our economy and continues a cycle of poverty, crime, and marginalization in our communities.”

Numerous solutions attempt to address this pervasive issue; however, education is the most effective and evidence-based method of decreasing repeat offenses. By offering prisoners help with tuition and vocational training, we tackle the root cause of crime and equip released prisoners with a path to meaningful employment.

The Economic and Societal Costs of Recidivism

The cost of the revolving door of imprisonment is higher than many people realize. The United States spends around $55 billion per year on corrections in total. If we lowered the rate of repeat offenses, we could reallocate this money to more beneficial community needs.

Moreover, it is impossible to quantify the social costs of this destructive cycle. In the aftermath of incarceration, prisoners leave broken families, unsettled communities, and missed opportunities for positive impact.

Breaking the Cycle of Crime Through Education and Skill Development

One of the most convincing arguments for offering educational programs in prisons is the clear connection between education and lower rates of crime. A landmark study conducted by the Rand Corporation shows that prisoners who engage in correctional education initiatives have a 43% lower likelihood of committing new crimes and ending up back in jail. This research determines that Nearly five dollars are saved for each dollar spent on correctional education compared to the expense of reincarceration over three years.

Society gains massive dividends from lower crime rates, decreased incarceration costs, and increased productivity by investing in inmate education.

Additionally, charitable foundations can aid in overcoming the challenges of funding. For example, The Pitzer Family Education Foundation (PFEF)  is a 501(c)(3) that provides educational opportunities for at-risk young adults 18–27 years old who have a parent incarcerated or on parole. PFEF provides financial aid for parolees’ enrollment to the Associated Builders and Contractors-ABC Training Academy in Nederland, Texas. These parolees have an opportunity to obtain a trade certificate in welding, core safety, instrumentation, scaffold building, industrial carpentry, electrical, and pipefitting. 

“Education provides so much more than just knowledge,” Pitzer asserts. “It provides a way for numerous prisoners to break free from a cycle of crime and poverty. With the skills and confidence to rejoin society, former inmates gain a new sense of self-worth and purpose.”

Bridging the Employment Gap with Tuition Assistance and Trade Courses

One of the main obstacles to successfully reintegrating parolees back into their communities is the scarcity of job prospects. If they lack marketable skills, former inmates are restricted to unsteady and poorly paid jobs.

After being released, data from the National Former Prisoner Survey shows that over half of parolees have only completed high school or earned a GED, while 25% have no educational credentials. In general, ex-convicts have a 27% unemployment rate, but individuals lacking a high school diploma and minority groups experience even higher levels of unemployment.

“Educational support and vocational training programs close the gap by helping inmates acquire skills that are in demand,” says Pitzer. “Jobs in trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and information technology provide stable employment and secure salaries. When inmates have the skills to obtain and retain employment, their likelihood of reoffending dramatically diminishes.”

College classes offer prisoners more than just job training; they also help develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a wider perspective of the world. These cognitive advantages result in heightened decision-making skills and increased resilience, both crucial for a triumphant return to society.

Education: A key Component in a Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan

Even though education is a powerful tool on its own in decreasing recidivism, it is most impactful when paired with other forms of rehabilitation. Providing a broad range of services such as mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and housing assistance is crucial for helping individuals who have been released from prison cope with their complex obstacles. Taking a comprehensive approach guarantees that education is a fundamental component of a larger plan to support a successful return to society.

Community support and participation are also crucial elements for successful rehabilitation. Initiatives that promote relationships between prisoners and their communities offer a support system that reaches beyond the confines of prison. Mentorship programs, community service opportunities, and post-release support groups aid prisoners in fostering positive connections and establishing a sense of belonging within society.

“The topic of recidivism is intricate, yet it is evident that education has a transformative impact,” says Pitzer. “Providing financial aid for education and vocational training gives prisoners the tools to improve their future prospects and positively contribute to their communities. Investing in education for inmates leads to safer communities, reduced incarceration costs, and more productive citizens.”

Tuition aid and vocational training give hope to individuals who are willing to turn their lives around despite their past mistakes. When policymakers, educational institutions, and communities acknowledge the significant influence of educational opportunities in prisons and expand these programs, we can build a safer and stronger society. Everyone plays a crucial role in the solution. Education allows us to disrupt the pattern of repeated criminal behavior and create a more promising future for everyone.

Published By: Aize Perez