The Effects of College in Prison and Policy Implications

Denney, Matthew G. T.; Tynes, Robert

doi:10.1080/07418825.2021.2005122

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Such estimates should be considered with caution, however, as little research exists to support the notion that individuals with postsecondary carceral education credentials experience significantly better labor market outcomes than do individuals with criminal histories who do not hold these credentials. 1 Strong evidence exists that participating in PSCE significantly decreases one's likelihood of recidivating (Denney & Tynes, 2021;Duwe & Clark, 2014;Erisman & Bayer Contardo, 2005;Kim & Clark, 2013;Pompoco et al, 2017;Winterfield et al, 2009), and it is commonly argued that the success of PSCE programming can, in part, be attributed to improved employment outcomes among PSCE participants (e.g., Oakford et al, 2019;Pearson & Heckert, 2020). Although research has suggested that stable employment has a protective effect for some returning citizens (Apel & Horney, 2017;Denver, Siwach, et al, 2017;Uggen, 2000), there is limited, and mixed, evidence to suggest PSCE improves employment outcomes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Degrees of difference: Do college credentials earned behind bars improve labor market outcomes?

Ballou

2024

Criminology

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It is widely held that providing postsecondary education programs to incarcerated individuals will improve postrelease labor market outcomes. Little research evidence exists, however, to support this view. To test the effect of postsecondary carceral education credentials on employer perceptions of hireability, the current study uses a factorial design to survey a sample of employers nationwide (N = 2,538). Employers were presented with résumés of fictional applicants applying to a job as a customer service representative at a large call center. The résumés randomized education credentials earned while incarcerated. Results indicate that employers were significantly more willing to interview applicants with postsecondary education credentials relative to applicants with only a General Educational Development (GED) diploma. Although Black applicants who had earned a sub‐baccalaureate certificate saw improvements in hireability relative to GED holders, Black applicants who had earned a bachelor's degree did not. In contrast, White applicants benefited both from sub‐baccalaureate certificates and bachelor's degrees. Results from a mediation analysis suggest that these credentials signal important information to employers about applicant attributes and that improved perceptions of applicant ability and likelihood to reoffend drive the overall effect. Implications for future research and policy are explored.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Degrees of difference: Do college credentials earned behind bars improve labor market outcomes?

Ballou

2024

Criminology

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“…This was certainly the case within prison settings (Armstrong, 2020;Burke, 2020), but even pre-pandemic, access to higher education within correctional facilities was severely limited. Factors such as geographic location of facilities, educator willingness and ability to travel to and from correctional facilities, resource availability to support the delivery of educational programming within correctional facilities (Dewey e al., 2021), and challenges posed by correctional facility policies and regulations (Denney & Tynes, 2021) led to reduced access. This paper provides an analysis of the implementation and evaluation of a pilot course within a correctional facility to identify and address challenges ahead of the formal launch of a program within the facility.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effective Online Course Delivery in Correctional Settings: A Pilot

2022

JHETP

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This paper provides an analysis of best practices for the design and delivery of online programming within correctional facilities, ascertained from the evaluation of a pilot course. Utilizing the case study methodology, it was observed that fully online coursework may be delivered within controlled settings. Key considerations for effective design and delivery centered around scheduling regular check-ins with administration from the University and the Correctional Center, conducting technology testing on a set cadence, incorporating synchronous components and evaluating opportunities for the inclusion of courseembedded advising to ensure engagement. Future directions include continued delivery of a Baccalaureate program, the incorporation of micro-credentials to provide targeted training in key areas of relevance and degree continuity planning to support degree completion among recently released individuals.

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Are Schools in Prison Worth It? The Effects and Economic Returns of Prison Education

Stickle,

Schuster

2023

Am J Crim Just

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Recent expansions in prison school offerings and the re-introduction of the Second Chance Pell Grant have heightened the need for a better understanding of the effectiveness of prison education programs on policy-relevant outcomes. We estimate the effects of various forms of prison education on recidivism, post-release employment, and post-release wages. Using a sample of 152 estimates drawn from 79 papers, we conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the effect of four forms of prison education (adult basic education, secondary, vocational, and college). We find that prison education decreases recidivism and increases post-release employment and wages. The largest effects are experienced by prisoners participating in vocational or college education programs. We also calculate the economic returns on educational investment for prisons and prisoners. We find that each form of education yields large, positive returns due primarily to the high costs of incarceration and, therefore, high benefits to crime avoidance. The returns vary across education types, with vocational education having the highest return per dollar spent ($3.05) and college having the highest positive impact per student participating ($16,908).

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The Effects of College in Prison and Policy Implications

Cited by 8 publications

References 34 publications

Degrees of difference: Do college credentials earned behind bars improve labor market outcomes?

Degrees of difference: Do college credentials earned behind bars improve labor market outcomes?

Effective Online Course Delivery in Correctional Settings: A Pilot

Are Schools in Prison Worth It? The Effects and Economic Returns of Prison Education

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