Obama administration announces Pell Grants for prisoners

[Mackenzie Fitzgerald]

I found this to be a very interesting article in that it is (in my opinion) a really great idea that is simultaneously highly criticized by a lot of Republicans. As the title suggests, the Obama administration has announced a plan to give state and federal prisons Pell Grants so that their prisoners have some aid to college courses while still behind bars. Not every single person will be extended the opportunity, but primarily the prisoners that were to be released within three to five years as that is about how long this program will take.

Currently there is a ban on prisoners receiving pell grants because of the Higher Education Act, therefore an approval from Congress is necessary to enact this program. This plan is obviously very important to us as citizens because it involves our tax dollars. That is the issue that the Republicans seem to take with this opportunity. Their view is, “Why would we reward criminals and spend more of our money doing it?” While they make a solid point, the article also mentions the statistic that prisoners that took part in prison education programs were 43% less likely to re-offend and return within three years. Therefore, for every dollar that we invest in these education programs we actually end up saving four to five dollars on three year re-incarceration costs.

I chose this article because it was a current event going on that I had never heard of; the title sounded like an interesting idea and I wanted to know more about it. While it is just a “pilot program” I think it is something that we should absolutely invest in. It would give these prisoners an increased chance of success once they are released, a decreased likelihood of re-incarceration, and in the long run it would save us money. It seems like we have nothing to lose. From a “faith standpoint” I definitely approve of this program. As Christians I believe we are to come alongside people that may not be in “ideal” situations and show them the love of Christ. In showing them the love of Christ we are not biased in how we treat them because of their past but we are to see their souls as Jesus does and invest in them. My church has a prison ministry and time after time we see these guys getting released and then they having nothing to do. The majority of the dropped out of high school and then got arrested – it is really hard to get hired with that resume. I believe if we invest in them while still in prison they will have a greater opportunity to turn around and do more once they are released.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/07/31/obama-administration-ann...

[Regina Dixon]

I'm glad you posted this blog.  I actually know a couple of people who have been released from prison.  Whether it was 10 years ago or 10 months ago, the problem of entering back into society and actually trying to find employment still exists.  I don't know how our country expects for people not to go back to the ways that landed them in prison in the first place if they are not given the opportunity to do better once released.  I think the program is a good idea and worth the investment.

[Allison Finley]

I have never heard of this program before, but I agree that it could greatly impact prisoners.  After taking a juvenile delinquency class, I've realized that people will continue repeating their behavior until they learn a different way.  I would first want to know some more details about the program, but the idea sounds very beneficial.  If prisoners feel like they can change their life, their mindset will change.  Once their mindset changes, they can pursue a second chance in life once they are released.  I also really like what you said about the love of Christ. I agree! I don't believe it's ever too late for any of them.  Great post!