Unknown Benefits Of Prison Education

More and more people are learning that prison education and prison transition programs are instrumental in reducing crime and cutting down on recidivism. It costs much less to educate prisoners (both in and out of prisons) than to house offenders in the federal prison system, making education a key tax-reduction strategy as well. However, the key benefits of prison education go beyond dollars and cents.

While it may be fun to tout statistics that show the greater good of education behind prison walls, we must not forget the inmate taking on prison education. Whether he or she will be released or spend the majority of their life in jail, education makes a huge difference on a personal level.

Here are some benefits of prison transition programs that are very important.

• Education= Confidence

The prison environment naturally lends itself to lowered self-esteem. Individuals who have low self-esteem may quickly enter a downward spiral. When the individual stops believing in themselves and their abilities, they make only little effort for self-improvement.

For the offenders that have parole coming up, this is extremely dangerous. Self-improvement simply means working towards rehabilitation, avoiding prisoner re-entry and having a life upon release. Education of any kind in prison, be it, cooking classes, hairdressing courses, or full-on college degrees, help to build up confidence.

• Education= Paying it forward

Not every prisoner gets released. But does education benefit lifers? Yes, it does!

Along with confidence and self-esteem, the ones who obtain an education in prison often pass it on. Cosmetology students in prison help other inmates look and also feel their best, and we are all aware of the power of a good makeover!

Even if someone is going to spend their life in jail, education is never a waste of time. It only helps to improve the life of the inmate, stimulate their mind, give them something to strive for, and often has the additional benefit of that inmate using his or her newfound skills to the advantage of others.

Paying it forward is always important, whether free or behind bars. The education of one equates to the improved well-being of many.