Higher education in prison reduces recidivism by 48%. Lee College achieves 6% recidivism—compared to 20% statewide. Every $1 spent on prison education saves $4-5 in reduced incarceration costs. Employment chances increase 12% for participants. With Pell Grants reinstated, states are expanding programs—except Georgia, which cut funding. Education isn’t just rehabilitation. It’s the most cost-effective public safety investment available. 1
Seven Key Benefits
Prison education delivers proven results:
- Lower recidivism—48% reduction for college participants
- Better employment—12% increase in post-release job placement
- Personal development—critical thinking, discipline, emotional resilience
- Civic engagement—leadership skills and community participation
- Economic savings—$4-5 saved per $1 spent
- Reduced disparities—addresses racial inequities in education access
- Community impact—stronger families, lower crime, local economic benefits
Programs like NJ-STEP partner with Princeton, Rutgers, and Drew University. Georgia has no equivalent.
Programs That Work
Success stories from other states:
- Lee College (Texas)—6% recidivism vs. 20% state average
- NJ-STEP—partnerships with major universities
- Bard Prison Initiative—less than 4% recidivism among graduates
- Second Chance Pell—federal support expanding access nationwide
These programs work because they provide real credentials, marketable skills, and genuine transformation. 2
Why Georgia Falls Behind
While other states expand, Georgia retreats:
- $24.4 million cut—forced Georgia State program closure
- 38 degrees awarded—across 48,000+ inmates in 2023
- No major university partnerships—unlike successful programs elsewhere
- Focus on punishment—instead of proven rehabilitation
Georgia spends $60,000 per year warehousing people. Education costs a fraction and produces better outcomes.
Take Action
Use Impact Justice AI to send advocacy emails demanding expanded higher education in Georgia prisons. The free tool crafts personalized messages to lawmakers—no experience required.
Demand:
- University partnerships for Georgia prisons
- Pell Grant access for incarcerated students
- Degree programs in all major facilities
- Outcome tracking and public reporting
Further Reading
- Research: Education Cuts Recidivism by 43%
- How Prison Education Lowers Recidivism Costs
- GPS Informational Resources
- Pathways to Success
About Georgia Prisoners’ Speak (GPS)
Georgia Prisoners’ Speak (GPS) is a nonprofit investigative newsroom built in partnership with incarcerated reporters, families, advocates, and data analysts. Operating independently from the Georgia Department of Corrections, GPS documents the truth the state refuses to acknowledge: extreme violence, fatal medical neglect, gang-controlled dorms, collapsed staffing, fraudulent reporting practices, and unconstitutional conditions across Georgia’s prisons.
Through confidential reporting channels, secure communication, evidence verification, public-records requests, legislative research, and professional investigative standards, GPS provides the transparency the system lacks. Our mission is to expose abuses, protect incarcerated people, support families, and push Georgia toward meaningful reform based on human rights, evidence, and public accountability.
Every article is part of a larger fight — to end the silence, reveal the truth, and demand justice.
