Recidivismâthe rearrest, reconviction, or return to prison of former prisonersâhas contributed to a rapidly growing prison population in the U.S. that costs American taxpayers nearly $30 billion annually.
To better understand the status, funding, and implementation of postsecondary correctional education programs in the U.S., the Institute conducted a national survey that yielded input from correctional education administrators from 45 states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Results of the survey, along with additional data and analysis, are detailed in the new report, âLearning to Reduce Recidivism: A 50-State Analysis of Postsecondary Correctional Education Policy.â
In 2003 and 2004, some 85,000 prisonersâfewer than 5 percent of the total prison populationâwere taking college courses, according to the report.
âPrisoners are serving longer sentences than in the past but are frequently released without the education or skills necessary to find productive employment,â says Jamie Merisotis, president of the Institute. âOffering postsecondary education to inmates seems less âsoft on crimeâ and more a cost-effective means to reduce recidivism and gain control of the mounting tax burden.â
To view this report, visit www.ihep.org.