Benefits of Prison Education

Michigan needs This program

Study after study shows that prison education programs not only benefit and transform the incarcerated, but they also transform the prison community. Here’s why: 

• 43% reduction in recidivism among parolees who participate in prison education programs
• 13% increase in post-release employment for parolees who participate in prison education programs
• Return on investment for prison education programs ranges from 1:5 to as high as 1:12 
• A 70% reduction in misconduct incidents.
• Improved safety and positive culture of prisons

“This program has not only changed us, but it has also transformed us. Each day that I wake up I’m motivated by the fact that I have an opportunity to try to repair some of the harm that I’ve done. Whether I can totally repair it or not, I have to live with that. I have to understand that some things are irreparable. However, I can also live with the fact that at least I am putting forth effort to demonstrate my remorse for what I’ve done and also to try to do anything that I can to repair some of the damage that has been done. And I feel good about that.”
—Anthony, 2025 graduate

Crime victims want programs like this because: 

• By a 2-to-1 margin, crime victims prefer that the criminal justice system focus more on rehabilitating people who commit crimes
• By a margin or nearly 3-to-1, crime victims believe that prison makes people more likely to commit crimes than to rehabilitate them
• By a 3-to-1 margin, crime victims prefer holding people accountable through options beyond more incarceration

“Teaching at the Muskegon Correctional Facility was truly a gift. I have never been in a classroom where students were so engaged and enthusiastic about the course material. It was truly inspiring, especially since I still have two years left at the seminary. These men have shown me how much fun the classroom can be, and I hope to bring more of that same attitude to Western. Not only did these men care about the course material, they cared about the professors and TAs. I felt so appreciated by all of them. They thanked each of us on many occasions and were always polite to us. It was a privilege to work with these men, and I hope that I have the opportunity to do it again soon.”
—Teaching assistant, 2019