Why Prison Education Matters
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More than 2.2 million people are locked up in American prisons. About 700,000 prisoners are released into their communities every year, and approximately 40 percent of them will find themselves back behind bars within three years. But a landmark RAND study shows participation in any kind of educational program while behind bars can help break the cycle. RAND found that correctional education programs substantially reduced an individual's risk of being reincarcerated and that such programs are cost effective—every dollar invested in correctional education saves nearly five dollars in reincarceration costs over three years.
In collaboration with the Michelson 20MM Foundation, RAND invites you to listen to our panel of experts discuss the costs and benefits of using education to stop the prison revolving door, and the effectiveness of programs like The Last Mile, which prepares inmates for reentry by providing them with marketable skills.
Speakers
Lois Davis
Senior Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation; Professor, Pardee RAND
Graduate School
Chris Redlitz
Founder, The Last Mile; Managing Partner, Transmedia Capital
Kenyatta Leal
Founding Member & First Graduate, The Last Mile
Frank Stoltze (Moderator)
Correspondent, KPCC
Learn More
/content/rand/multimedia/audio/2017/04/06/why-prison-education-matters/jcr:content/par/wrapperdiv_23599523/teaserlist
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Correctional educational programs can reduce incarceration costs and recidivism. But it's critical that former inmates can connect with reentry services in the community to complete their education.
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RAND research on correctional education explores the effects on recidivism and post-release employment outcomes, as well as its cost-effectiveness.
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Policymakers are considering how to reduce mass incarceration in the United States. Correctional education programs can help reduce recidivism and improve post-release employment outcomes. This saves taxpayers money.
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Providing education and vocational training to inmates is a cost-effective way to reduce recidivism rates, thus shrinking prison populations and easing the strain on prison budgets. Education is far less expensive than incarceration.