How the Tennessee Prison College Coalition Is Expanding Postsecondary Opportunities for Justice-Impacted Students
Following a federal law passed by Congress and signed by President Trump in late 2020, the U.S. Department of Education has restored Pell Grant access for incarcerated students, opening the door for as many as 760,000 learners in prison to access federal financial aid for a postsecondary education.
Ensuring incarcerated students can access postsecondary education requires commitment and collaboration between institutions of higher education, state departments of corrections, and other stakeholders. Our new case study highlights how leaders in Tennessee have collaborated to create the Tennessee Prison College Coalition (TPCC), which has expanded and improved postsecondary education for incarcerated students across the state.
Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders from TPCC, this case study provides insight and recommendations for policymakers and advocates across the country to expand access to education for justice-impacted individuals in their own communities. It can inform state efforts to scale postsecondary programs in prison and align state higher education, workforce development, and public safety goals.
