LANSING, MI (WOWO) Michigan prisons are reporting a record number of inmates completing educational and vocational programs, marking a significant increase in participation over the past several years.
New data from the Michigan Department of Corrections show that nearly 4,000 inmates finished programs last fiscal year, up from about 2,400 in 2020. Enrollment has also risen, with roughly 11,000 of the state’s 33,000 prisoners participating in classes that include high school equivalency, special education, and vocational training such as welding, robotics, auto repair, truck driving, and cosmetology.
The state partners with several colleges and universities to provide postsecondary opportunities inside correctional facilities. According to Eastern Michigan University, women incarcerated at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility can earn bachelor’s degrees in general studies through the university’s College in Prison program, which hosted its first graduation in 2023. Jackson College, Calvin University, and other institutions also offer associate and bachelor’s degrees, including specialized programs in business, faith and community leadership, and human services.
Officials say the programs aim to reduce recidivism and equip inmates with skills for employment and continued education after release. According to Jenni Riehle, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Corrections, educational programming has also improved behavior within facilities by providing productive outlets for inmates.
Several programs offer wraparound support and mentoring to help students transition to post-incarceration life. Students from Eastern Michigan University have moved to the university’s main campus to continue their degrees, highlighting the effectiveness of these programs in preparing inmates for life after prison.
3 comments
…maybe if we all had access to Indiana’s annual $20,000,000,000.00 of Federal Funding, we wouldn’t require as much Prison Education Programs (PEP) funding?
I am not saying that we remove this program from Prisons, necessarily, but i think it needs modified. …at the very least.
Now, if TAXPAYERS don’t mind giving up this kind of money for Felons to get a higher education for FREE, while the law-abiding struggle, or just can’t afford to go.. Who am i to stand in the way!
BUT, what if the funding was made available to EVERYONE, and EVERYONE be EXPECTED to put their education to use; REPAYING an interest-free loan?
Maybe the funding would prevent situations where prison-worthy crimes are committed?
I am not comfortable with Prisoners getting a better degree, than i can afford, because they have nothing better to do.
I worked, while putting myself thru college. I paid for, and paid off, my college loans. This seems like a handout that TAXPAYERS should be given FIRST, and Felons last.
The only HANDOUT, would be that it’s interest free.
Prisoners should be making money to offset their ENTIRE incarceration. Not just a small percentage, whereas Indiana has front the majority, to front their lawlessness.
Prisoners should be working 8 to 12 hours a day, to repay their debt to society. …and only then, if they still have want and desire to continue their education, should they be allowed to take on the additional expense.
I think people want to work. I think people want to pay their way. I think people, in earnest, want to repay debt. I think people should be allowed the opportunity for education.
I also think it’s a slippery slope to have the lawful citizens pay for the unlawful, period.
** Prisoners should be making money to offset their ENTIRE incarceration. Not just a small percentage, whereas Indiana has front the majority of their lawlessness.
😀
*** Prisoners should be making money to offset their ENTIRE incarceration. Not just a small percentage, whereas Indiana has to front the majority of their lawlessness.
Baahahhah! Someone help me construct a sentence, please!!