Why Our Work Matters

Reducing Recidivism & Improving Job Prospects

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world [1]. These high rates are partly caused by recidivism: more often than not, those who are released from prison eventually return. A 2018 study from the U.S. Department of Justice showed that 44% of people released from prison in 2005 were arrested at least once within one year of release; 68% were arrested at least once within 3 years of release, and 83% were arrested within 9 years of release [2].

One of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism rates — and consequently reduce incarceration rates — is to provide educational programming to incarcerated people. According to the RAND Corporation, individuals who enroll in educational programs while incarcerated are 43% less likely to be reincarcerated than those who do not [3]. Moreover, a 2018 study of the effect of education on postrelease outcomes showed that the odds of being employed after release are 12% higher for people who participate in any type of education while incarcerated [4].

Inmates who participated in correctional education programs had 43 percent lower odds of recidivating than inmates who did not.

Improving Self-Esteem and Confidence

In addition to reducing recidivism rates and improving job prospects, correctional education can have profound personal impacts for students. Quantitative findings overwhelmingly demonstrate that correctional education succeeds in changing the behavior and boosting the self-confidence of participants [5].

[Correctional education] boosts self-esteem and confidence, revives humanity, improves literacy levels, equips with skills and transforms offenders into law-abiding and productive citizens.