Rehabilitation Programming
Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons: Inventory, Funding Sources, and Institutional Fragility (Research Pass, Aug 2026)
This document inventories evidence-based and postsecondary rehabilitation programs in Georgia prisons, finding that GDC operates cognitive-behavioral programs (MRT, T4C) and reentry centers on paper, but nearly all college-in-prison and peer-led programming is funded externally through Pell Grants, private foundations, universities, or nonprofits. The document highlights institutional fragility, with programs like Georgia State University's Prison Education Project and the FORGE peer mentorship program collapsing when funding or individual champions change. Key data points include a 11.4% three-year felony reconviction rate for transition-center releases versus 33.7% for state prisons, and unverified GDC claims of a 'treatment effect of 10' for Faith and Character-Based programs.
Where this research is used
This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 4 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.
Budget & Spending
Georgia's prison budget rose from $1.53 billion in fiscal 2024 to an all-time peak of $1.91 billion in fiscal 2025, then settled near $1.79 billion for fiscal 2027. Across that arc the money moved toward health contracts, private beds and surveillance technology while the state-operated prison program, food service and education shrank. GPS's own budget series has since corrected several of its earlier headline claims, and the gap between what the state appropriates and what it can show for it remains the central accountability problem.
11,375 data points
Parole & Sentencing
Georgia's parole system has contracted sharply over three decades: the Board of Pardons and Paroles released 5,588 people on parole in FY2025, down 42% from 9,455 in FY2019, and its lifer grant rate has fallen from 21.9% in FY2001–FY2006 to roughly 5% today. Average time served on a life sentence for a serious violent felony has risen from under nine years in 1973 to 29.6 years in FY2025 per the Board's own reporting — 31.1 years by GPS's separate count. The result is a system in which parole eligibility at 7, 14, or 30 years increasingly ends in denial, reconsideration up to eight years later, and release for many only at the maximum sentence date.
12,868 data points
Recidivism & Reentry
Georgia reports one of the lowest recidivism rates in the nation — a 25 to 27 percent three-year felony reconviction rate — but that figure counts only new felony convictions, only within three years, and only among people who survive the window. Georgia's own reconviction rate has climbed every year since 2019, reaching 30.7 percent for the 2022 release cohort even as the state spends more than a billion dollars a year on corrections, releases 12,000 to 16,000 people annually with almost no preparation, and funds vocational education at $172,000 statewide. The evidence on what works is unusually clear — education, vocational training, cognitive-behavioral programming, and transitional beds all correlate with substantially lower recidivism — and Georgia has systematized almost none of it at scale.
12,548 data points
Reform Models & Programs
Georgia operates a statewide cognitive-skills curriculum for parolees, twelve reentry and cognitive programming centers, contracted addiction treatment, step-down units inside its Tier segregation system, and an earned-time credit statute — and the national evidence base for each of those program types is unusually strong. What the record does not contain is current, published, rigorously designed outcome data for most of Georgia's own programs, and the state's direct spending on them amounts to a fraction of one percent of the prison budget. This page sets out what the research verifies, what Georgia actually runs, what it spends, what other states have achieved, and where the evidence stops.
12,091 data points
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding, GPS commentary on why it matters, and its source.
The finding
Every college-in-prison and peer-led program in Georgia is funded by federal Pell Grants, private foundations, universities, or nonprofits. GDC's contribution is facility access and approval; GDC pays no tuition.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Because college programs depend on money GDC does not provide, they can end when a grant, donor or university partner pulls back, the fragility seen in the closure of Georgia State University's Prison Education Project.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
The finding
Georgia has approximately 50,000 people in state custody and, at most, a few hundred college seats.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
With seats for about one percent or fewer of people in custody, college in Georgia prisons reaches very few, and the true figure is uncertain because current enrollment counts are not known.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
The finding
Outside boosters claim Walker has a recidivism rate below 2 percent; no source. Claim is ALLEGED.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
An unsourced figure cannot support claims about what Walker's Faith and Character-Based program achieves, especially when GDC has not published the method behind its 'treatment effect of 10' claim for those programs.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
$70 million university debt and an Ohio transcript-manipulation citation preceded expansion.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Warning signs about the provider's finances and records were on record before it grew, which matters for students in Georgia prisons who rely on a Pell-funded partner that GDC approves but does not pay.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.All Data Points
49 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
GDC pays no tuition for college-in-prison programs Finding
Every college-in-prison and peer-led program in Georgia is funded by federal Pell Grants, private foundations, universities, or nonprofits. GDC's contribution is facility access and approval; GDC pays no tuition.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Georgia State University Prison Education Project closure Finding
Georgia State University's Prison Education Project (2016–2024) is closing over Pell-compliance costs. The university announced closure in 2024 citing budget shortfall and the administrative cost of meeting federal Pell Prison Education Program rules.
FORGE peer mentorship program collapse Case detail
The FORGE peer mentorship program at Dooly State Prison (2025–2026) collapsed after its sponsoring counselor supervisor was promoted. A GPS submission (GPS-2026-2BDA9, August 30, 2026; case #226) reports the program collapsed after the chief counselor was promoted and Dooly administration withdrew support. Collapse report is ALLEGED (single anonymous source).
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Georgia prison population and college seats Statistic
Georgia has approximately 50,000 people in state custody and, at most, a few hundred college seats.
50,000 people
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Pell for All policy since July 2023 Policy
Since July 2023, any accredited college can enroll incarcerated students on Pell with GDC sign-off ('Pell for All'); GDC's role is limited to the Prison Education Program application form.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
GDC core cognitive-behavioral programs Policy
GDC's Reentry and Cognitive Programming unit lists Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) and Thinking for a Change (T4C) as its core cognitive-behavioral programs at state prisons, private prisons, and the Metro Reentry Facility.
Walker State Prison additional programs Policy
Walker State Prison additionally lists Motivation for Change, Matrix, Gateway, RSAT, and Prison Fellowship Mentoring.
GDC SOP 107.14 audit requirements Legal fact
GDC SOP 107.14 (Office of Reentry Services Audit Process, effective March 2, 2022) requires Quality Assurance Evaluations confirming programs are 'delivered in the manner in which it was designed,' including completeness of documentation and group participation, plus a Georgia Program Assessment Inventory (GPAI) measuring compliance with evidence-based principles, at least every two years, with Corrective Action Plans for critical findings due within 30 days. Audit records are retained five years on the GDC intranet.
Program and Treatment Completion Certificate eligibility Statistic
GDC states 25 to 33 percent of releasing inmates are eligible for a Program and Treatment Completion Certificate.
29%
Allegations of GDC cognitive class irregularities Finding
Incarcerated-source reports to GPS allege GDC cognitive classes are frequently taught by inmates rather than counselors, use outdated video materials, permit sign-in for classes not attended because funding is tied to attendance and completion, and include no testing of retention. These reports are ALLEGED and not independently verified.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Reentry and Cognitive Programming centers count Statistic
12 Reentry and Cognitive Programming centers, 2,344 transitional beds (346 for women), approximately six months of work release before parole. GDC concedes 'a limited amount of space.'
12 centers
Transitional beds count Statistic
2,344 transitional beds (346 for women), approximately six months of work release before parole.
2,344 beds
Three-year felony reconviction for transition-center releases Statistic
Three-year felony reconviction for transition-center releases in the FY2022 cohort: 11.4 percent, versus 33.7 percent for state prisons (GDC, July 9, 2025). Selection effects are substantial.
11.4% vs. 33.7 state prisons
Faith and Character-Based Initiative launch Policy
FCB dormitories began June 1, 2004 at six facilities; Walker State Prison was commissioned as Georgia's first FCB prison in 2011; 18 FCB sites statewide.
FCB curriculum duration Policy
Two-year, four-phase curriculum at Walker; 12-month curriculum in dorms; secular by policy; relies on community volunteers.
GDC 'treatment effect of 10' claim for FCB programs Finding
GDC claims FCB programs have 'a treatment effect of 10; meaning someone is 10 times less likely to return to prison after completing.' No methodology or study is published. Claim is ALLEGED.
Walker FCB recidivism claim below 2 percent Finding
Outside boosters claim Walker has a recidivism rate below 2 percent; no source. Claim is ALLEGED.
DOJ findings on Walker State Prison Finding
Independently verified: the October 2024 DOJ findings report identified Walker as the exception among 17 prisons visited, with more staff positions filled, more programming, less violence and contraband, and no reported homicides in several years.
Forensic Peer Mentor program launch and scope Policy
Forensic Peer Mentor (FPM) program: Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network with DBHDD and GDC, since 2017. Peers must hold Certified Peer Specialist or CARES credentials plus a 40-hour, five-day forensic training; work with people within 18 months of release. Operates in five Georgia prisons, five day reporting centers, three mental health treatment courts, and two state hospital forensic units.
Forensic Peer Mentor program outcomes Statistic
State reports more than 550 served in FY2017–2018 with two re-arrests, three psychiatric readmissions, and one revocation since inception (self-reported).
550 people served
FORGE program structure Policy
FORGE (Facilitating Opportunities for Reentry, Growth & Empowerment): peer-led mentorship development program at Dooly State Prison sponsored by Positive Outreach Development Society, Inc. (PODS), which holds the copyright. Started 2025. 36 weeks, three sessions per week, three phases with gate requirements (85 percent attendance, written knowledge checks, scored co-facilitation, portfolio, peer endorsement), self-sustaining cohort-trains-cohort pipeline, curriculum drawn from T4C, MRT, Seeking Safety, SAMHSA trauma-informed framework, GRIP, AVP, and MENTOR's Elements of Effective Practice. Program courseware was formalized March 2026.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Tracey Catina Jackson promotion Case detail
GDC personnel records identify Tracey Catina Jackson, Behavioral Health Counselor Supervisor at Dooly (rosters 2020 and November 2023; salary records 2019–2025), promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Wilcox State Prison effective March 16, 2026.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Autry State Prison peer-led pilot funding Policy
AFY2026 amended budget: $150,000 for an Autry State Prison peer-led pilot. Curriculum, enrollment, and evaluation plan unknown.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Ashland University GDC partnership launch Case detail
Ashland University (Ohio, private): GDC partnership signed June 2018; associate's in General Studies launched September 17, 2018 at Whitworth Women's Facility, Dooly State Prison, and Smith State Prison with 150 students.
CoreCivic Ashland University expansion Statistic
CoreCivic added Coffee, Jenkins, and Wheeler in 2019 (81 students, 700+ credit hours by November 2019).
81 students
Ashland University Pell funding Statistic
Funded by students' federal Pell Grants (~$6,000 per student); Ashland has received $79 million in Pell since 2016 across 13 states and D.C.
$79.0M
Ashland University Pell per student Statistic
Funded by students' federal Pell Grants (~$6,000 per student).
$6,000
Ashland University 2018 accreditor finding Finding
Quality record: 2018 accreditor finding of no completion goals and no complaint-review process for incarcerated students; no graduation or dropout data provided to The Marshall Project in 2020; $70 million university debt and an Ohio transcript-manipulation citation preceded expansion.
Ashland University Department of Education demand Legal fact
2023 U.S. Department of Education demand for $6.1 million for improper Pell packaging (30-week calculation on a 24-week calendar), contested in court.
University of West Georgia prison education program Policy
University of West Georgia: Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Hays State Prison and Coweta Prison (and FCI Atlanta). First SACSCOC- and Education Department-approved Prison Education Program in Georgia. One of two bachelor's programs in Georgia prisons.
Life University Chillon Project launch Case detail
Life University Chillon Project: Associate of Arts in Positive Human Development and Social Change (since July 2016) and Bachelor of Science in Psychology (since January 2020) at Arrendale State Prison. First Georgia-based degree program in prison since the 1994 Pell ban; first cohort of eleven graduated January 2019 with average GPA 3.9. Funded by the Laughing Gull Foundation.
Brewton-Parker College Philemon Fellowship Policy
Brewton-Parker College / Philemon Fellowship: credit-bearing courses toward degrees at Wheeler Correctional Facility and Johnson State Prison; Second Chance Pell site since 2019.
Common Good Atlanta program scope Policy
Common Good Atlanta: since 2008 at Phillips State Prison; now also Metro Reentry Facility, Whitworth, Burruss, USP Atlanta, and Atlanta, Lee Arrendale, and Augusta transitional centers; 100+ professors from seven universities; privately funded.
Georgia State University Prison Education Project first graduation Case detail
Georgia State University Prison Education Project: opened 2016; associate degrees at Walker and Phillips; first graduating class of nine at Walker on May 5, 2023; roughly 60 students in 2024.
Georgia State University Prison Education Project enrollment 2024 Statistic
Roughly 60 students in 2024.
60 students
University of West Georgia absorbs USP Atlanta cohort Finding
University of West Georgia absorbed the USP Atlanta cohort; no successor at Walker or Phillips. GDC did not respond to press requests for comment.
College of Athens data gap Data gap
College of Athens: listed by GDC as a partner; no program details found. Data gap.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Certificate-level prison education programs Policy
Certificate-level: Atlanta Theological Association Certificate in Theological Studies at Arrendale (Candler, McAfee/Mercer, ITC, Columbia); Spelman College/RestoreHER 'Unlocked Minds' at Whitworth; Technical College System of Georgia technical certificates via Albany, Central Georgia, North Georgia, Oconee Fall Line, and Wiregrass technical colleges.
GACHEP BJA grant Policy
Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (GACHEP) received a BJA grant (2021) to expand pre-college pathways with GSU, Life University, and Common Good Atlanta for people within 36 months of release.
CSG Justice Center criminal-history disclosure barrier Finding
CSG Justice Center (2020) noted most University System of Georgia institutions require criminal-history disclosure on admission, a post-release barrier.
GDC GPAI audit results unavailable Data gap
GDC GPAI and Quality Assurance audit results under SOP 107.14 (internal; would require open records request).
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
FCB treatment effect methodology unpublished Data gap
Published methodology behind GDC's 'treatment effect of 10' claim for Faith and Character-Based programs is missing.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Forensic Peer Mentor prison locations unknown Data gap
Identity of the five prisons hosting Forensic Peer Mentors is unknown.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Autry State Prison pilot details unknown Data gap
Autry State Prison peer-led pilot details: curriculum, enrollment, and evaluation plan unknown.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Current postsecondary enrollment counts unknown Data gap
Current enrollment counts per postsecondary program and total college seats statewide are unknown.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
FORGE collapse corroboration needed Data gap
Corroboration of the FORGE collapse from a second Dooly source; right of response from GDC and Dooly administration.
Source
- GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
Ashland University tablet-based delivery Methodology note
Tablet-based delivery via JPay/Securus; recorded lectures, digital readings, site director per prison.
Ashland University $70 million debt Statistic
$70 million university debt and an Ohio transcript-manipulation citation preceded expansion.
$70.0M
Prison Journalism Project on Ashland program failures Finding
Prison Journalism Project (2024) reported on Ashland University prison education program failing students.
Sources
27 cited sources backing this research.
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GPS Research Pass: Evidence-Based and Postsecondary Rehabilitation Programs in Georgia Prisons
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Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Arrendale State Prison
[facility]
Ashland University
[organization]
Atlanta Theological Association
[organization]
Autry State Prison
[facility]
Brewton-Parker College
[organization]
Burruss Correctional Training Center
[facility]
Coffee Correctional Facility
[facility]
College of Athens
[organization]
Common Good Atlanta
[organization]
CoreCivic
[organization]
Coweta Prison
[facility]
CSG Justice Center
[organization]
DBHDD
[organization]
Dooly State Prison
[facility]
FCI Atlanta
[facility]
Forensic Peer Mentor Program
[program]
FORGE
[program]
GACHEP
[organization]
GDC
[organization]
Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network
[organization]
Georgia State University Prison Education Project
[program]
Hays State Prison
[facility]
Jenkins Correctional Center
[facility]
Johnson State Prison
[facility]
JPay
[organization]
Laughing Gull Foundation
[organization]
Life University Chillon Project
[program]
Metro Reentry Facility
[facility]
Philemon Fellowship
[program]
Phillips State Prison
[facility]
Positive Outreach Development Society, Inc.
[organization]
RestoreHer
[organization]
Securus
[organization]
Smith State Prison
[facility]
Spelman College
[organization]
Technical College System of Georgia
[organization]
Tracey Catina Jackson
[person]
U.S. Department of Education
[organization]
University of West Georgia
[organization]
University System of Georgia
[organization]
Walker State Prison
[facility]
Wheeler Correctional Facility
[facility]
Whitworth Women's Facility
[facility]
Wilcox State Prison
[facility]