Education for ALL 📢

Use your voice to make it a reality

Pamela, Last July, incarcerated people in the United States became eligible for Pell Grants—federal need-based financial aid—for the first time in nearly 30 years. This monumental change means that more than 750,000 people in prison will now have an easier time affording college. The benefits of college in prison extend far beyond the walls of the classroom. They include creating safer environments for people behind bars, increasing employment opportunities, and reducing the odds that students will return to prison. College-in-prison programs have the potential to transform families and communities—and ultimately disrupt mass incarceration. But Pamela, the work to expand access to education isn't over yet. More than 70 percent of people in prison who are eligible for postsecondary education programs are interested in enrolling, but there are not enough programs available to meet this demand. And more must be done to make college accessible to people with conviction histories when they return to their communities. Everyone can play a role in removing barriers to education and expanding opportunities for justice-involved students, whether you are a student, an alumnus, or a community advocate. As students head back to school this fall, we hope you'll share a message of support for more inclusive, equitable campus communities. And if you're ready to do even more, take a moment to explore Vera's Campus Advocacy Toolkit for more opportunities to support justice-involved students this school year.    In solidarity, Vera Institute of Justice © 2024 Vera Institute of Justice. All Rights Reserved.   Vera Institute of Justice 34 35th Street | Suite 4-2A | Brooklyn, NY 11232 (212) 334-1300   Privacy Statement | unsubscribe