Inmates Can Get A Degree!

"President Obama has done nothing for black people". This is what I heard someone say on a radio program. This statement is not based on fact but propaganda, lies, and large scale media spin. Here is the truth!

The Obama administration announced Friday that certain federal and state prisoners will be eligible for federal Pell grants to pay for college classes while they serve out their time behind bars.

The U.S. Department of Education revealed the pilot program with the aim to keep convicts from returning to incarceration by giving them the opportunity to secure jobs and “turn their lives around.”

The program lifts a 20-year ban on inmates receiving Pell grants following multiple studies that found education programs reduce recidivism rates, breaking the cycle of criminal relapses and in turn saving taxpayer money, in addition to transforming inmates into tax payers themselves.

“We know from research that incarcerated individuals who participate in correctional education, including remedial, vocational and postsecondary programs are more likely to stay out of prison; more likely to seek, gain and maintain employment; and substantially more likely to remain crime-free,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said.

Considering the fact that African-Americans represent a significant part of the prison population, being given the opportunity to get an education represents a huge breakthrough for both the African-American community and society.

PR