Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative Update

Postsecondary education in prison has been shown to contribute to successful reentry for people who have been incarcerated as well as promote public safety. The Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative, launched by the U.S. Department of Education in 2015, provides need-based Pell grants to people in state and federal prisons through partnerships with 65 colleges in 27 states. The Vera Institute of Justice has provided technical assistance to the participating colleges and corrections departments, helping to ensure that these programs are providing quality higher education both in prison and post release. This fact sheet outlines the outcomes—including expanding enrollment, course offerings, and degrees awarded—as a result of the initiative.