Prison education reduces recidivism by 43%. Only 38 bachelor’s degrees awarded in Georgia prisons in 2023—across 48,000+ inmates. Measuring education programs proves they work. RAND Corporation research shows every $1 spent saves $4-5 in reduced incarceration costs. But without proper metrics, programs can’t demonstrate value, secure funding, or expand to serve more people. Tracking the right numbers transforms advocacy from opinion into evidence. 1
Enrollment Metrics
Measure program reach and access:
- Total participants—how many eligible inmates are enrolled?
- Demographic breakdown—who has access to programs?
- Waitlist length—how many want education but can’t get it?
- Eligibility vs. enrollment gap—what percentage of qualified inmates participate?
64% of Georgia inmates meet academic requirements. Only 9% complete college courses. The gap is a policy choice.
Completion Metrics
Track program effectiveness:
- Course completion rates—how many finish what they start?
- Credentials earned—degrees, certificates, vocational certifications
- Time to completion—are programs efficiently structured?
- Retention rates—how many stay enrolled semester to semester?
The Bard Prison Initiative graduates at higher rates than many traditional colleges. Measurement proves what works. 2
Post-Release Outcomes
The metrics that matter most:
- Recidivism rates—do graduates return to prison less often?
- Employment rates—jobs within 6 months of release
- Wage levels—are earnings sufficient for stability?
- Further education—do graduates continue learning?
Education participants are 13% more likely to find employment. Their children are 52% more likely to attend college.
Take Action
Use Impact Justice AI to send advocacy emails demanding expanded prison education in Georgia. The free tool crafts personalized messages to lawmakers—no experience required.
Demand:
- Mandatory outcome tracking for all education programs
- Public reporting of education metrics
- Funding tied to demonstrated results
- Expansion based on proven effectiveness
Further Reading
- Evaluating Prison Education: Tools and Methods
- 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.
