Prison Pell GrantsTop of Mind with Julie Rose • Season 1, Episode 119, Segment 1
Aug 13, 2015 • 21m
Guest: Robert Bozick, Ph.D., Sociologist at the Research and Development Corporation
The Obama Administration is moving to reverse a 20-year-old policy prohibiting prison inmates from receiving federal Pell Grants to pursue college degrees behind bars. Technically, such a change requires Congressional approval, so the US Department of Education is initially embarking only on a pilot program.
In announcing the plan, Education Secretary Arne Duncan called America “a nation of second chances.” He said helping inmates get a degree will reduce their chances of landing back in prison and ultimately save taxpayers money.