Unlocking Academic Success for Incarcerated Individuals

Could education be the key to rehabilitation and reducing recidivism? Those who participate in taking college classes while in prison generally see increased job opportunities and earnings, as well as increased intergenerational educational achievement. College is a primary avenue for upward mobility—especially among people of color, who disproportionately make up the prison population. Therefore, postsecondary programs during or after prison provide people with knowledge, skills, and connections they can share with their children and families, multiplying the impact of a single college degree.

Studies show that 86% of incarcerated individuals lack postsecondary education. By providing access to college-level learning, Second Chance Education aims to reduce recidivism, increase employment opportunities upon release, and break cycles of generational poverty.

Second Chance Education is a Prison Education Program (PEP) under the U.S. Department of Education is currently operating in three correctional units in Arkansas: Varner Unit (Maximum Security), Cummins Unit (Maximum Security), and Delta Regional Unit (Medium Security). Mike Leach leads the program under contract with the college and in partnership with Restore Hope.

Since its inception, the Second Chance Education Program has experienced remarkable growth and success. The program launched with 30 students in Fall 2022 and has now grown to over 125 students. Currently, 16 faculty members actively teach within the program, offering nearly 40 different classes across the three prison units. The student body is diverse, with participants ranging in age from their mid-20s to their 70s. The program maintains an impressive average GPA of 3.3 to 3.5, demonstrating the academic dedication of its students.

The program has established itself as a model of academic excellence. In 2024, half of the students were invited to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a prestigious national academic honor society requiring a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

The program has already produced four graduates, with at least 15 more expected to graduate in May. Students are earning an Associate of General Studies degree (60 credit hours), which is transferable to any college in Arkansas or beyond.

For students who have not yet completed a degree when they leave prison, the program offers a range of services to help students succeed, including assistance with college admissions applications, financial aid filing, and enrollment support. Students also receive guidance on credit transfers, as well as tutoring and scholarship information, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive academically.

A key development in the program has been the integration of reentry planning, supported by a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grant. This grant has allowed for the creation of a Reentry Course in collaboration with Restore Hope, designed to prepare students for life post-incarceration.

This non-credit course addresses crucial post-release challenges, covering topics such as employment and financial management, accessing healthcare, finding stable housing, and developing independent living skills. Upon release, parolees will undergo assessments through Restore Hope's 13 Areas of Care, recorded in Hope Hub, a database that tracks needs and services for successful reentry. Through structured case plans, former students receive access to comprehensive services ensuring a smoother transition from incarceration to community life, addressing challenges related to housing, employment, and mental health.

The Second Chance Education Program is committed to expanding the Reentry Course to include more students and tracking post-release success by collecting data on recidivism rates and reintegration success, as well as utilizing Hope Hub to monitor student progress after release. Additionally, the program aims to increase student enrollment and offer new courses in subjects such as political science, sociology, music appreciation, art history, English composition, and advanced mathematics (e.g., trigonometry).

While the program has seen academic success, long-term data on student outcomes after release is still in the early stages of collection.

The Second Chance Education Program is making a profound impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals by providing them with meaningful educational opportunities and hope for a brighter future upon their release. As it continues to expand and refine its approach, Second Chance Education is offering incarcerated individuals a pathway to academic achievement and personal development.