15: Education and Vocation Training
Teach inmates functional, educational, and vocational competencies based on employment market demand and public safety requirements.
Overview
When a person is incarcerated, a tremendous opportunity exists to provide him or her with basic reading, writing, and math skills; a trade that is useful in the marketplace; and, sometimes, an advanced degree. The research and recommendations that follow outline ways to improve the quantity and quality of vocational and educational programs available to people during their incarceration, so that they are best prepared to return to the community.
Research Highlights
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Most people in prison or jail have low levels of educational achievement, have limited job skills, and report low earnings prior to their incarceration.
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Involvement in educational and vocational programming is low, given that the majority of those in prison or jail would benefit from additional education and training.
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Research indicates that prison educational and vocational programs can improve behavior, reduce recidivism, and increase employment prospects upon release.
Recommendations
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Develop programs that will enable inmates to be functionally literate and capable of receiving high school or postsecondary credentials.
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Analyze the job market in the area to which people in prison or jail will be returning.
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Ensure that vocational and education classes target the needs of the job market.
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Encourage inmates to participate in educational and job training programs.
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Engage community-based agencies, such as volunteer and faith-based organizations, to provide institutional job-skills programs.
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When appropriate, provide prisoners with opportunities to gain occupational competence through postsecondary education.
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Prioritize the allocation of education and training resources when resources are limited.
Related Policy Statements
Our Publications
Homelessness and Prisoner Reentry
Many people released from prison or jail are at risk for homelessness, which can increase the likelihood that they will commit new crimes and return to prison.
Related Information
Issue Area:
Sex Offenders
Issue Area:
Education and Employment
Program Example:
California: Ex-Felon Employment Initiative
San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and National Economic Development and Law Center

