U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Take Charge of 

Your Future

Get the Education and Training 

You Need
This page intentionally left blank. 
 

 

Take Charge of Your Future

Get the Education and Training You Need

Electronic Version

Prepared for

U.S. Department of Education 

Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

March 2022 
 

 

Other than statutory and regulatory requirements included in the document, the contents of this 

guidance do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public. This document 

is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or 

agency policies. 

This document was produced under U.S. Department of Education Contract No. ED-ESE-A-0014 with 

RTI International. The Contracting Officer’s Representatives were Joseph Perez and Kenneth Kalman. 

The document contains resources that are provided for the reader’s convenience. The inclusion of these 

materials is not intended to reflect its importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or 

products, commodities, services, or enterprise. These materials may contain the views and 

recommendations of various subject matter experts as well as hypertext links, contact addresses and 

websites to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. The opinions 

expressed in any of these materials do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of the U.S. 

Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the 

accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any outside information included in these materials. 

U.S. Department of Education 

Miguel A. Cardona, Ed.D. 

Secretary 

Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

Jennifer Mishory 

delegated the authority to perform duties of the Assistant Secretary 

March 2022 

This document is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted. 

While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be U.S. Department of 

Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Take Charge of Your Future: Get the 

Education and Training You Need. Washington, D.C., 20202. 

This document is available on the Department’s website at

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/AdultEd/take-charge-your-future.pdf. 

Availability of Alternate Formats

On request, this document is available in alternate formats, such as Braille, large print, or computer 

diskette. For more information, please contact the Department’s Alternate Format Center at 202-260-

0852 or contact the 504 coordinator via email at om_eeos@ed.gov. 

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If you have difficulty understanding English, you may request language assistance services for 

Department information that is available to the public. These language assistance services are available 

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or write to U.S. Department of Education, Information Resource Center, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, 

Washington, DC 20202. 

Content Contact: Sean Addie at Sean.Addie@ed.gov; or at 202-245-7374.
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need i 

CONTENTS 

 PAGE 

Abbreviations................................................................................................................ ii

Foreword from the U.S. Department of Education ..................................................... iii

Acknowledgments........................................................................................................iv

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1

About This Guide .................................................................................................................1

Chapter 1. Some Practical Advice................................................................................. 5

Learn How to Use a Computer and the Internet..................................................................7

Find Helpful Services in Your Community ............................................................................8

Chapter 2. Create a Plan: What Are Your Goals?........................................................ 11

Step 1 Explore Your Interests............................................................................................12

Step 2 Find More Career Information...............................................................................13

Step 3 Create Your Plan ....................................................................................................15

Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized.................................................... 17

Step 1 Gather Important Documents................................................................................18

Step 2 Get Organized ........................................................................................................26

Chapter 4. Earn Your High School Credential ............................................................. 27

Step 1 Know Where to Start .............................................................................................28

Step 2 Find the Education Services You Need...................................................................30

Step 3 Earn a Credential: Take an HSE Test.......................................................................33

Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program................................... 35

Step 1 Some Important Things to Consider ......................................................................36

Step 2 Choose a College Program .....................................................................................41

Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College................................................................... 51

Step 1 Be Smart About Paying for College ........................................................................52

Step 2 Apply for Federal Student Aid................................................................................53

Step 3 Get and Complete the FAFSA®...............................................................................57

Step 4 Review Your Student Aid Report............................................................................59

Step 5 Seek Other Financial Aid ........................................................................................59

Glossary ...................................................................................................................... 63

Appendix A Learner Profiles .....................................................................................A-1

Appendix B Sample Resume and Cover Letter .........................................................B-1
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need ii

ABBREVIATIONS 

ABE adult basic education

AJC American Job Center

ASE adult secondary education

B.A. Bachelor of Arts (degree)

B.S. Bachelor of Science (degree)

CTE career and technical education

FAFSA® Free Application for Federal Student Aid

FSA ID Federal Student Aid identification 

HiSET® high school equivalency test or credential

HSE high school equivalency 

ID identification 

IDR income-driven repayment

IET Integrated Education and Training

ISIR Institutional Student Information Record

NEDP National External Diploma Program 

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy (degree)

SAR Student Aid Report

VR vocational rehabilitation
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need iii

FOREWORD FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 

EDUCATION 

Introduction to the Electronic Version 

Take Charge of Your Future helps you understand how to continue your education and training during 

incarceration and after your release. This electronic version was updated in 2022 to include important 

new information.

Recently we learned the exciting news that Congress reinstated eligibility for federal Pell Grants for 

incarcerated students. This law also repeals a prior law that suspended eligibility for federal student aid 

for drug-related convictions and will simplify the process for applying for financial aid for all students. 

We hope these changes will make it easier for more students to get help in paying for their college 

education. 

While the details of these changes still are being finalized, information in Chapter 6 about financial aid is 

current. However, once the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is updated, we will release 

a new version of the guide. For now, we hope that you will find this version of Take Charge of Your 

Future useful in making your plans for education and training.

Sincerely, 

Jennifer Mishory

Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education 

U.S. Department of Education 
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need iv

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

This guide was developed by Laura Rasmussen Foster and 

Michelle Tolbert, with RTI International, and Margaret Patterson, 

with Safal Partners. They would like to thank the following 

individuals for their contributions to the guide:

Terrell Blount

Higher education program officer

Laughing Gull Foundation

Adam Bentley Clausen

Owner/director 

Apex Alternative Solutions, LLC

Carolyn “Freda” King

Project director, Jail Re-Entry Network 

DISC Village, Inc. 

James Monteiro

Founder and director

Reentry Campus

Jon Ponder

Founder and CEO

HOPE for Prisoners 

Syrita Steib

Executive director

Operation Restoration 

Brandon Warren

Transition specialist and adjunct faculty 

Lee College Huntsville Center 

Adrian Vasquez

Program associate

California Community Foundation

NOTE

This guide is an update of these two 

previous versions: 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of 

Vocational and Adult Education, Take 

Charge of Your Future: Get the Education 

and Training You Need. Washington, 

D.C., 2012.

Prisoner Reentry Institute at John Jay 

College of Criminal Justice for the U.S. 

Department of Education. July. Back to 

School: A Guide to Continuing Your 

Education After Prison. Washington, 

D.C., 2010.
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 1 

INTRODUCTION 

About This Guide

This guide is for people who are incarcerated and for 

those on probation and parole. It’s also for those who 

were previously involved with the justice system. The 

guide will help you get started — or continue — on your 

path to further education and training. Since earning 

education degrees and credentials is linked to lower 

unemployment,1 your career pathway is important. A 

career pathway is steps you’ll take now and, in the 

future, to meet your education and work goals. Earning a 

high school credential, getting a workforce certification 

or license, or earning a certificate or degree will help you 

move up in your career and in your life. Continuing your 

education and training also can better your family and 

community connections: Education is linked to good 

health,2 improved well-being, and strong relationships.3

Don’t just take our word for it — in this guide you can 

read real stories from formerly incarcerated adults about 

how their lives were changed by education and training. 

[Their complete profiles are included in Appendix A.] 

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (May 2020). “Learn more, earn more: Education leads to higher 

wages, lower unemployment.” Career Outlook. https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/dataon-display/education-pays.htm 

2 Virginia Commonwealth University Center on Society and Health. (2015). “Why Education 

Matters to Health: Exploring the Causes.” https://societyhealth.vcu.edu/work/the-projects/whyeducation-matters-to-health-exploring-the-causes.html 

3 Economic and Social Research Council. (2014). “The wellbeing effect of education.”

Accessed November 6, 2020. https://esrc.ukri.org/files/news-events-andpublications/evidence-briefings/the-wellbeing-effect-of-education/

Education is the most important 

pursuit anyone can begin, but for 

someone with a criminal past it is essential. 

My greatest piece of advice is not merely to 

say that one should pursue education both 

inside and outside of prison—this is a 

given—but to pursue education for the 

right reasons. Education should be pursued 

not just for success in the job market, but 

also to positively expand and transform 

your understanding of the world and your 

place in it. Aside from this, I would advise 

people to have realistic expectations about 

what can be achieved. If you have family 

and financial support that makes education 

easy, then you are blessed. For everyone 

else: expect to struggle but do not give up. 

Brandon

Read Brandon’s story in Appendix A
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 2 

This guide is designed so that you can go through it from start to finish. Or 

you can read just the chapters you need most, depending on your education 

background and goals. Chapters 1–3 are meant for all readers and cover the 

steps for setting goals, gathering the documents you need, and getting

organized to pursue your education. Chapters 4–6 describe specific steps for 

starting and finishing different education levels, from earning a high school 

credential to enrolling in a college program. 

This guide won’t answer all your questions, but it will direct you to resources 

where you can get your questions answered and find more information. 

NOTE

The online links in this guide are up-to-date at 

the time of publication, but sometimes links 

may not work or take you to the wrong site 

because they are not updated regularly. If 

possible, look for the date the website was 

last updated (often found at the top or 

bottom of the screen) or when an online 

document was published. Knowing the date 

will tell you how current the information is. If 

a link is no longer working, you can enter the 

title of the webpage or resource — or a few 

words that describe it — into an online search 

engine, such as Google or Bing, to see if a new 

link is available. 
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 3 

A NOTE FOR CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION AND REENTRY 

PROGRAM STAFF

While this guide is designed for use by individuals, correctional education 

and reentry staff play an important role in supporting current and future 

students in identifying and pursuing their education, life, and career goals. 

You can use this guide in your programs by

• helping participants understand where they are in their educational 

journeys and pointing them to the most relevant content in the guide. 

• providing access to technology, so that they can look up the online 

information included in the guide, search for answers to their questions, 

and fill out applications. Where direct online access is not available, staff 

can download recommended resources to a secure intranet, tablet, or 

other accessible location.

• guiding them through the next steps relevant to their education, life, and 

career goals, such as realizing they have options (Chapters 4 and 5), 

creating a resume (Chapter 3 and Appendix B), selecting a career pathway 

(Chapter 5), or applying for financial aid (Chapter 6). 

• connecting participants with services to address their most pressing 

reentry needs, such as housing, counseling, and addiction treatment, to 

support their self-care and set them up to be successful in education when 

they’re ready. 

• directing participants to state and local agencies where they can gather the 

necessary documents to enroll in an education program (Chapters 3, 4, 

and 5). 

• advising participants on safely storing needed education documents. 

• serving as a trusted sounding board and source of support as participants 

navigate their education and career pathways, deal with challenges, and 

celebrate milestones along the way. 
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Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 5 

CHAPTER 1.

Some Practical Advice 

Throughout your reentry process, you will have to deal with forms, applications, 

and procedures that may be new and confusing. You may encounter people 

who could be helpful but don’t take the time to help you. The following are 

some ways to remain calm and focused on your education goals.

Take care of yourself. Pursuing an education probably will not be the first step 

in your reentry process. It’s very important to take care of the other needs that 

can help you create a healthy and stable lifestyle and set you up for success with 

your education. You will likely need to find housing, a job, and reliable 

transportation; reconnect with family members; seek or continue support 

groups; find a sponsor or mentor; and attend mental health or substance abuse 

counseling. Reentry coalitions and services in your local community can connect 

you to organizations that can help. You can locate reentry services by searching 

the Reentry Services Directory on the National Reentry Resource Center’s 

website at https://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/reentry- services

directory. Click on your state for contact information.

Ask for help. Get advice and support from counselors, probation or parole 

officers, and other people familiar with the process of getting an education. 

Trust your instincts about who to ask and when to approach them; that is, try to 

be sure that they have the time and experience to be able to offer help. 

Consider seeking help from the education department, counselors, instructors, 

librarians, or religious programs at your correctional facility. After release, you 

can find help at reentry organizations, social service agencies, churches and 

other faith-based organizations, and other community service programs in your 

area. 

Do your research and be prepared so you can make informed decisions.

Some education programs may not be worth your time or money if they do not 

prepare you to meet your goals. For example, a program may not offer 

accredited education services or may not have easily transferable credits, which 

may mean that the credential you will earn may not be widely accepted by 

employers or colleges. You could lose money and end up with poor-quality 

services. Find out as much as possible about programs you’re considering. Ask 

questions. Talk to others who know about the program. Take the time to make 

an informed decision.
Chapter 1. Some Practical Advice

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

6 

Be patient. Keep in mind that there are many steps to complete as you figure 

out and work toward your goals. You will encounter challenges along the way. 

Stay motivated, seek support from your peers, mentors, family members, and 

other trusted contacts, and set realistic goals. Choosing to work on one step 

each day or each week can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals 

— and make real progress. 

Always make sure you finish what you start. No matter the 

obstacles or roadblocks, just keep going forward no matter 

what. This semester you may have to take a part-time schedule, 

next semester you may be able to take a full-time schedule, the 

next one you may have to take off, but make sure you have a

plan to return and finish. Keep going forward no matter what, 

and reach out for help.

James

Read James’ story in Appendix A
Chapter 1. Some Practical Advice

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

7 

Learn How to Use a Computer and the 

Internet 

The internet is a huge source of information and help. Even more 

important, today many applications — for jobs, for services, to get 

important documents, and to enroll in education programs — are 

submitted mostly or only through the internet. You’ll see that most of the 

resources this guide recommends are online. To get access to them, you’ll 

need to use a computer, mobile phone, or tablet with internet service. To 

submit an application or other important documents, though, you should 

use a computer or tablet. The larger screen size on computers and tablets 

will make it easier for you to check your work. Some online applications or 

other documents may not open properly on a mobile phone.

If you don’t yet know how to use a computer or the internet, it’s very 

important to learn. Many adult education programs, public libraries, and 

the Department of Labor American Job Centers (AJCs — see next page) 

offer free classes on using computers and the internet. You also can use 

computers and the internet for free at your local public library as long as 

you have a library card (see the next section for how to get a library card). 

Keep in mind that you don’t need to become a “computer expert” and learn 

everything a computer can do. You can decide to learn more computer skills 

after you have figured out the basics. At a minimum, you need to create an 

email address so that you can communicate and receive information about 

education programs and jobs. You can get a free email address at websites 

like https://mail.google.com or https://www.yahoo.com. 

If you want to learn or improve computer skills on your own, there are free 

online resources that can help. You can learn basic computer skills like 

typing, using email, searching online, and using work-related software. Ask 

your education supervisor or the librarian in your facility if any resources are 

available in a computer lab onsite. You can also find online programs by 

going to the Department of Education’s LINCS Learner Center at 

https://learner.lincs.ed.gov/. Click on “Get Job Skills” at the top of the screen 

and look for resources that mention digital learning or computer skills. For 

example, Digital Learn (https://www.digitallearn.org/) and Northstar Digital 

Literacy (https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/) offer basic and 

practice courses on using technology. 

Accessing the internet in 

correctional facilities 

Depending on your facility, you may 

have some access to the internet to 

look up education or career resources. 

A teacher, counselor, or librarian in 

the facility can help you find and use 

online resources. If you don’t have 

internet access, you may need to work 

with a trusted facility staff person or 

family member on the outside to fill 

out applications or submit 

assignments for you. 
Chapter 1. Some Practical Advice

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

8 

Find Helpful Services in Your Community 

You’ll be able to find many services free or for a small charge in your own 

community. Some suggestions follow. 

Your public library can help you find services and resources in your 

community. The library offers free use of computers and the internet. You also 

can often find adult education services (see Chapter 4, page 30 for more 

information about these services) or resources and government forms at the 

library. To get a library card, you may need a state identification document or 

official mail addressed to you at your home address. Librarians can help you 

find the information you need. To find the public library closest to you 

• enter terms like “library” or “public library” and the name of your city or 

county into an internet search engine; or 

• on the internet, go to https://www.usa.gov/libraries. Click on “Find your 

local public library” under Public Libraries.

American Job Centers 

American Job Centers (AJCs) can help you prepare for and find a job. 

AJCs can connect you to job openings, training, and education 

programs related to the job you want. Most AJC services are free, but 

there may be a fee for some specialized education and training 

programs. Some of the services provided by AJCs include the following:

Skill assessment. Staff can help you identify the skills you need — and 

the skills you already have — as you get ready for education, training, 

and/or employment. 

Career counseling. Counselors can help you identify jobs and 

occupations that you may be interested in, based on your skills, 

interests, and experience. They also can tell you about the types of jobs 

available in your local area. 

Training or referral to training. Depending on your needs and interests, staff 

may provide training or refer you to adult education or other training 

programs that can help you with 

• “hard skills” — the technical skills you need for a job in a specific field. 

• “employability skills” — general skills needed for successful employment, 

such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.

• writing your resume. 

Accessing job services 

while incarcerated

In some states, American Job Center 

services are offered in correctional 

facilities. Most facilities have staff who can 

help you prepare for a job search before 

your release. If you are still incarcerated, 

ask your counselor or case manager if any 

job services are available to you. The more 

you can prepare for your release, the 

easier your reentry will be. 
Chapter 1. Some Practical Advice

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

9 

• preparing for interviews.

Referrals to other resources or services. Staff can direct you to organizations 

that can help you with such things as transportation, childcare, welfare 

assistance, unemployment insurance, and veterans’ services. 

You can find AJCs in your area by

• calling 1-877-872-5667 (Monday through Friday, between 8:30 A.M. 

and 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time) or going to 

https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/service-locator.aspx on the 

internet.

• searching online for an AJC at 

https://www.careeronestop.org/localhelp/americanjobcenters/findamerican-job-centers.aspx. Type in your city, state, or ZIP code to find a 

location near you.

Community Organizations 

Community organizations provide many kinds of services. Most are free, but 

some may require a fee. These organizations can help with employment, 

education, health care, counseling, housing, substance abuse treatment, 

transportation, and childcare. They also can refer you to other agencies. 

Here are several ways to find community organizations:

• Go to 2-1-1 Information and Referral Search at https://www.211.org/ on 

the internet. 

• Dial 211 on your phone. Note that this phone service is available in most, 

but not all, communities. 

• Go to the National H.I.R.E. Network Clearinghouse website on the internet 

at https://clearinghouse.lac.org. This site lists organizations that provide 

services to people with criminal records. Click on the map or the name of 

your state to get a list of organizations, and scroll down to “Local Service 

Providers.”

• Search for local literacy and adult education centers by going to the 

National Literacy Directory at https://lincs.ed.gov/professionaldevelopment/resource-collections/profile-986. 

• Ask for referrals to community organizations from someone you know and 

trust, like a family member or friend, someone who has received similar 

services, or a reentry professional or case manager. 
Chapter 1. Some Practical Advice

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

10

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies help people with disabilities to 

prepare for, get, and keep a job. You will need to show that you will be able 

to benefit from VR services, and that you need such services for work. 

Disabilities may include physical and mental limitations, including learning 

disabilities, if the limitation impacts the person’s ability to be employed. 

Keep in mind that the government uses some words in ways that may be 

different from how we use them in daily life. For example, you may know 

that you have some challenges, but you may not think you have a 

“disability.” Because the regulations are complicated, you should not try to 

guess whether or not you may qualify for VR services. If you think VR services 

might help you, you should apply and let the local VR office determine if you 

are eligible. 

There is no cost to apply for VR services to see if you are eligible. If you are 

eligible, however, some states may require you to help pay for some 

services. Some states also may have a waiting list. This is referred to as an 

order of selection. Once you are determined eligible, you may take some 

tests at no cost just to figure out your specific needs for VR services.

To learn more about VR services:

• Search for the terms “vocational rehabilitation services,” “employment 

services,” or “disability services” along with your state’s name on the 

internet. Keep in mind that different states may have different names for 

VR agencies. 

• On the internet, go to the U.S. Department of Labor Job Accommodation 

Network website at https://askjan.org/resources/index.cfm. Type 

“vocational rehabilitation” into the search field to get a list of state VR 

agencies. 
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 11

CHAPTER 2.

Create a Plan: What 

Are Your Goals?

To get ahead in life, you must set goals and make a plan to reach those goals. 

But sometimes you may not know all the options that may be open. This can 

make it hard to picture the kinds of goals you want to reach. Start by asking 

yourself some questions: 

• What do I like to do?

• What kind of work have I heard about or seen others do that I might 

want to do?

• What am I good at doing?

• What skills and experience do I already have?

• What skills would I like to learn?

• What is the highest level of education I have completed?

• Where would I like to see myself in five years?

Answering these questions can help you see what 

types of work you might enjoy, what kind of skills 

you would need to learn, and what education or 

training could help you. This chapter gives ideas 

for choosing a career pathway, a process that can 

start while you are still incarcerated. The chapter 

is organized into the following steps: 

STEP 1 Explore Your Interests

STEP 2 Find More Career Information 

STEP 3 Create Your Plan 

I wanted a career – 

not a job – 

something stable that 

would provide for my 

family. Education was the 

key to getting that 

stability. 

Syrita

Read Syrita’s story in Appendix A 
Chapter 2. Create a Plan: What Are Your Goals?

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

12

STEP 1 

Explore Your Interests

Think of your options for education and a career like a career pathway. A 

career pathway is a plan that helps you map out the education and training 

you need to get a job and to advance in your job in a specific industry. You 

can think about both short-term and long-term goals and see different 

routes to reach them and steps along the way. A career pathway also shows 

different entry points, so that you can start and stop your education and 

training when you need to focus on other responsibilities. 

First, make a list of the skills and experience you already have, including 

your education or training, past jobs, or just activities that you enjoy. For 

example:

• Do you like talking and interacting with other people? You could be in 

sales, teaching, marketing, journalism, or social work.

• Do you like being outside? You could be a landscaper, forester, house 

• painter, park ranger, surveyor, or highway worker. 

• Are you good with tools and mechanical items? You could be a 

construction worker, architect, plumber, auto mechanic, or engineer. 

• Do you like math and numbers? You could work in science, technology, or 

finance.

• Do you like coming up with new ideas or new ways to solve common 

challenges? You might like to start your own business. 

• Do you like sports? You could be an athletic coach or personal trainer.

• Do you like reading and writing? Do you feel comfortable working on a 

computer? You might think about administrative, library, government, or 

research work.

You can also explore your interests and learn about career pathway options 

online. For example:

• Visit the “My Next Move” website to answer questions about your 

interests and get suggestions for possible career pathways. You can find 

My Next Move at https://www.mynextmove.org/. 

KEEP IN MIND...

As you think about what careers you 

might enjoy, it can help to talk about 

your options with someone you trust. 

It can feel overwhelming to start this 

process alone, and there are many 

people who can help. Reach out to a 

counselor, teacher, librarian, case 

manager, or friend to share your 

ideas and get their advice. 
Chapter 2. Create a Plan: What Are Your Goals?

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

13

• Visit the CareerOneStop website to learn how your interests, skills, and 

values match with different career pathways. Use the tools at 

https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/what-isassessment.aspx. 

Once you’ve made a list, think about what you like best, what your strongest 

skills are, and what education and training you already have or may need. 

STEP 2 

Find More Career Information 

Second, you need to know whether you can legally do any of the jobs on 

your list and whether your community needs employees for the jobs on your 

list. Sometimes the law forbids people with criminal records from working in 

certain jobs and occupations. But some states and the federal government 

have taken steps to prevent discrimination against those who were 

incarcerated. Restrictions differ from state to state. 

You may want to consider some career pathways that are “reentry friendly” 

— that is, employers who welcome and encourage applicants who are 

reentering from the justice system. Examples include computer science, 

culinary arts, business administration, communications, welding, and 

social work.

Some states offer ways to get past these restrictions. These include 

Certificates of Rehabilitation, orders given by a judge or parole board in 

certain states that pardon a reentering citizen and restore their rights. A 

Certificate of Rehabilitation also removes restrictions like those on getting a 

license from a state industry licensing board. See the Clean Slate 

Clearinghouse website (https://cleanslateclearinghouse.org/) for state 

policies and information on clearing your record and links to legal services in 

your state. 

Once you focus on specific jobs you’d like, you need to make sure that your 

record will not prevent you from working in that field. Some resources for 

finding out about these restrictions include the following:

• If you’re still incarcerated, check with your correctional facility’s education 

department, or ask your counselor or case manager.

• Information on work restrictions is available at 

https://www.careeronestop.org/ExOffender/ExploreCareers/LearnAbout

Careers/work-restrictions.aspx. 
Chapter 2. Create a Plan: What Are Your Goals?

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

14

• The report After Prison: Roadblocks to Reentry describes barriers facing 

people with criminal records in all 50 states. It is available at 

https://law.stanford.edu/wpcontent/uploads/sites/default/files/publication/259864/doc/slspublic/

LAC_PrintReport.pdf.

• The report Criminal Records and Employment: Protecting yourself from 

discrimination explains what New York employers may and may not ask 

about your criminal record. Find it at 

https://www.lac.org/assets/files/Criminal_Records_Employment.pdf. 

• For more information about why employers should give a fair chance to 

workers with records, go to https://www.nelp.org/publication/thebusiness-case-becoming-a-fair-chance-employer/ and download “The 

Business Case: Becoming a Fair-Chance Employer.” 

Once you have narrowed your list down to a few career pathways, find out 

as much as you can about them. For example, what jobs are available in 

this field? How many job openings are there in the community where I 

want to work? Do the jobs pay a living wage? Do they prepare me for the 

next steps in my career? What credentials or degrees will I need?

The Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good source 

of information on many jobs and careers, including 

• training or education needed.

• earnings.

• typical work activities and responsibilities.

• working conditions.

• demand for workers in specific fields.

The handbook is updated every two years. You can find information from 

the most current handbook at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. You also may be 

able to get the handbook at the library in your correctional facility, a local 

public library, or the local AJC. 

You can also search the My Next Move website 

(https://www.mynextmove.org/) for information about specific careers

and browse careers in different industries. 
Chapter 2. Create a Plan: What Are Your Goals?

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

15

STEP 3 

Create Your Plan

Now that you’ve gathered useful information and thought about your future, 

it’s time to make a plan. Consider your interests, any previous education or 

training, skills and experience, and any restrictions on working in the types of 

jobs you are considering, and ask these questions: Which careers seem to be the 

best fit for you? What do you need to do next to start or continue in your 

chosen pathway? You can find out about the education and training you need 

for your career pathway by going to the resources below.

• AJCs. Almost every community has an AJC, sometimes also called job service 

centers or employment services. AJCs have many resources, all in one place, 

for people seeking work or further education. These include job search help, 

skills training, occupational licensing (such as for forklift operation, welding, 

or commercial driver’s licenses), and referrals to support services, among 

others. For help in setting your goals, AJCs offer “interest inventories,” a tool 

to help you see which kinds of jobs might be right for you, and staff who can 

help you set goals. To locate AJCs in your area, go to 

https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/findamerican-job-centers.aspx or call 1-877-872-5627, Monday through Friday, 

from 8:30 A.M. to 8 P.M. (Eastern Time).

• O*NET Online. You can find tools and information to explore different 

occupations at O*NET Online, including the knowledge, skills and abilities, and 

education needed for a specific career. Visit https://www.onetonline.org/. 

• The Occupational Outlook Handbook. This handbook gives you job search 

tips, information about the job market in your state, and advice on 

deciding if a job offer is right for you. Go to https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. 

Use this information to decide on your next step. It may be getting your high 

school credential, improving your basic skills, or applying for a technical or 

academic college program. You can use the research you did in steps 1 and 2 

to make an education and career plan. Your plan should outline your goals 

and describe the steps you’ll need to take to achieve them, including 

education and training programs, work experience, financial aid, and other 

support, such as childcare, tutoring, or transportation. Once you have a plan, 

read the next chapter about getting organized. Then you can jump ahead to 

the chapter you need to learn how to choose and apply for education and 

training programs. 
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Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 17

CHAPTER 3. 

Gather Information 

and Get Organized 

As you plan for education, training, or to look for a job, you need to 

gather important documents and other materials. You must keep track 

of these materials carefully because you’ll be using them in your job 

search and in applying for education or training programs. You should 

also learn about free resources, including those available on the 

internet, and how you can locate them. This chapter offers suggestions 

to help you get — and stay — organized and find resources that can 

help you. It is divided into two sections:

STEP 1 Gather Important Documents

STEP 2 Get Organized

I remember arriving at the detention facility where I would 

spend the next five years and determining in my mind that I 

would view the prison as a learning center. I spent time 

everyday learning and growing, with a goal of gaining as 

much education and knowledge as I could.

Jon

Read Jon’s story in Appendix A
Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

18

STEP 1 

Gather Important Documents

You must have several documents in hand as you look for a job, apply to 

education or training programs, and get other services. Some of these are free; 

for others, you must pay. Sometimes fees are not charged if you earn below a 

certain level; this is called a waiver of the fee. Always ask about waivers. 

These documents are very important, but the process can take a lot of time, so 

begin as soon as possible — even if you are still incarcerated. Gather the 

documents listed below and keep them in a safe place (for example, a filing 

cabinet, safe deposit box, or with a trusted friend or relative). You might also 

want to make copies of these documents and keep them in different locations. 

• Birth certificate

• Social Security card 

• State identification (ID) card or driver’s license. 

• Criminal record or rap sheet

• High school credential or high school transcripts 

• Resume 

• Letters of reference and a list of people who will give you a good reference

Birth Certificate 

Your birth certificate sometimes is needed when you apply for other forms 

of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card. You must pay to get a 

copy of your birth certificate; fees vary by state. To get a copy of your birth 

certificate 

• write to the Bureau of Vital Records in the state where you were born to 

request a copy. The name of this office may differ by state. Sometimes it 

is called Office of Vital Records or Division of Vital Statistics or something 

similar. To find the address for your state office, go to 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm. 

• In your request, include your name as it appears on your birth certificate, 

your date of birth, the city and county where you were born, and your 

mother’s full maiden name. You also should include your father’s full 

name if it appeared on your birth certificate. 

• You also will need to include a copy of your proof of identity, such as a 

driver’s license or prison ID. 

KEEP IN MIND...

If you have gone by other names in 

your life, or used an alias remember 

always to use the name that appears 

on your birth certificate when 

completing forms and applications. 
Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

19

Social Security Card 

You need your Social Security number to apply for jobs, enroll in 

education programs, and get access to many services. Social 

Security cards are free. Here’s how to get your Social Security 

card: 

• If you previously had a Social Security card but no longer do, 

ask for a replacement Social Security card online at 

https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card.html. This 

option is available to residents of most states, except for (as of 

November 2020) residents of Minnesota, Nevada, New 

Hampshire, Oklahoma, West Virginia, or those with driver’s 

licenses or state IDs issued by a U.S. Territory.

• Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or go to your 

local Social Security office, and ask for an application for a Social Security 

card. The application is called the SS-5 form. You can find your local Social 

Security office by going to https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp. Type your 

ZIP code into the search bar. The SS-5 form is available online at 

https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. 

• Fill out the SS-5 form. For a new card, you will need to provide two 

documents that prove your age, identity, and citizenship status, such as 

your birth certificate and a passport. For a replacement card, you will need 

to provide one document as proof of identification, such as a driver’s 

license, passport, marriage or divorce record, or certification from your 

correctional facility. 

• Mail the completed SS-5 form, along with a copy of your identification

documents, to your local Social Security office. Be sure to make a copy of 

personal documents to send; don’t send the original versions. You also can 

take the SS-5 form to your local Social Security office. Your Social Security 

card will be sent to you. If you do not have a permanent address, you can 

ask the Social Security Administration to mail the card to your local Social 

Security office for you to pick up; you will need to provide proof of identity

to pick it up.

State ID Card or Driver’s License

Procedures for how to apply for a state ID card or driver’s license vary from 

state to state. You will need some form of identification to apply, and you 

may have to pay a fee. Once you get your ID, be sure to make copies of it and 

keep your copies in different locations.

Applying for a Social Security card while 

incarcerated

If you are incarcerated, ask your counselor or 

case manager for help in getting your Social 

Security card. You can ask your counselor or case 

manager to receive important documents in the 

mail for you and keep them in your file until your 

release. 
Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

20

• If you are still incarcerated, ask your counselor or case manager how to get 

a state ID or driver’s license. In some states, you can’t get a state ID or 

driver’s license while incarcerated. 

• If you are no longer incarcerated, go to the office in your state responsible 

for issuing driver’s licenses or visit the website for more information. The 

name of this office can vary by state. Usually, it is called the Department of 

Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, Department of Licensing, 

or Department of Public Safety. Search the internet using these names, 

along with the names of your town or community and your state. The state 

website usually will have a list of local offices and their addresses and 

phone numbers. 

• You can find a list of state laws related to IDs for incarcerated adults at 

https://www.gjp.org/wp-content/uploads/GJP-Breakdown-of-State-IDLaws-1E.pdf.

Criminal Record or Rap Sheet 

Get a copy of your criminal record or rap sheet (record of arrest and 

prosecution) because you need to make sure the information on it is 

correct. If the details of your offense are sealed and can only be obtained 

with a court order or expunged (deleted altogether), make sure that the 

sealed or expunged information is not included. The information must be 

accurate because employers and landlords will see it if they conduct a 

criminal background check. Colleges often conduct criminal background 

checks as part of their application process. 

You can learn how to get a copy of your criminal record or rap sheet by 

going to the website of the National H.I.R.E. Network Clearinghouse at 

https://clearinghouse.lac.org/public. Click on your state on the map or in 

the list below the map. Information about resources in your state will 

appear. Locate the right agency by clicking the link for “Criminal Record 

Repository” or scrolling down the page. 

Many states have made it easier for those involved with the justice system 

to get a job. You can learn more at the National Employment Law Project 

(NELP), which describes state and local “fair-chance” hiring policies. Visit 

NELP’s website at https://www.nelp.org/campaign/ensuring-fair-chanceto-work/. 
Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

21

High School Credential and Transcripts 

You will need copies of your high school credential (diploma or GED® 

certificate) and transcript (list of the courses you took and your grades) when 

you apply for education programs and for jobs.

• I If you are still incarcerated, ask the education staff or case manager at 

your facility or a trusted family member or friend for help in getting these 

documents. 

• If you graduated from high school, contact the central office of your high 

school. To find your high school’s central office, search the internet using 

the school’s name and city. Once you have found your high school’s 

website, look for the contact information. Your high school should be 

able to give you a copy of your diploma and your transcript. 

• If you earned a high school equivalency credential, for example, a GED® 

certificate, contact the office where you took the test. In some cases, 

credentials and transcripts are only available online. For more information 

about these credentials and how to locate the correct office, see Chapter 4.

Resume 

A resume lists your work experience, education, and any special skills you 

have that would help you get a job. It also includes your contact information: 

address, phone number, and email address. Your local AJC or adult education 

program can help you create a resume. You also can find tips for creating 

resumes and applying for jobs online at your local public library, in the 

education department or library of your correctional facility, or for purchase 

in bookstores. Sample resumes and resume forms are also available on the 

internet. For example, LinkedIn is an online site that lets you build and post 

your resume online; connect with and contact other professionals; and look 

for jobs. A basic membership is free, but you can pay for additional services 

like recruitment or learning materials. Visit https://www.linkedin.com/home

to create a free profile.

Your resume should include the following (see Appendix B for a sample 

resume and cover letter): 

• Work experience, including work experience while you were incarcerated

• Volunteer or community service experience

• Education, including diplomas or certificates you have received 

• Licenses or certifications that you hold
Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

22

• Special skills, such as using specific computer software (for example, 

Microsoft Word and Excel)

• A summary of your skills related to the job you want 

• Keywords. Employers increasingly use computer programs to sort and 

choose resumes using keywords, which are important terms in the job 

description for the job you are seeking. For example, keywords might 

include “teamwork” or “quality control,” depending on the job you are 

applying to. If you include keywords in your resume to describe your skills 

and experiences, there’s a better chance that a hiring manager will see it. 

Most applications for jobs are online, so you may be asked to “attach” or 

“upload” your resume with the application. To do this, create and save your 

resume in a word-processing application like Microsoft Word, and follow the 

instructions in the job application. Some email services also have help 

centers that give instructions for attaching or uploading documents. You can 

ask for help from your case manager or counselor as well. See a sample of 

typical job application questions at 

https://app.eduportal.com/share/0bf2f7fc-3d9a-11e8-b33e-00155d645900. 

For more help with job applications, you can contact an AJC or an adult 

education program.
Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

23

Cover Letter

I Include a cover letter with your resume when you apply for a job. Its 

purpose is to introduce yourself to the employer, explain your interest in 

the job, and show how your personal and professional experiences 

prepare you for it. The letter also explains why you are the best choice 

for the job. Do not repeat everything in your resume in your cover letter. 

Just highlight what is most important to the job you’re applying for. The 

cover letter should be tailored to each job that you apply for. A cover 

letter typically includes the following: 

1. A heading with your contact information

2. A greeting. Address the hiring manager by name, if possible. If 

not, address your letter “Dear Hiring Manager.”

3. An introduction paragraph, where you introduce yourself, state 

the job you’re seeking and how you learned about it, and give a 

short summary of why you are a good match for the job

4. A paragraph describing your work history and skills. Use a few 

examples from your work history to show your experience with 

specific job requirements.

5. A paragraph discussing your values and goals. You may want to 

acknowledge your criminal history here and explain the steps you 

have taken to rejoin society.4

6. Finally, end with a summary and next steps. Say again why you are 

interested in the job, that you plan to discuss it in additional detail 

during an interview, and thank the hiring manager for their 

consideration. 

7. Use a professional closing phrase (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” 

or “Respectfully”) and your signature or typed name to end your 

letter. 

4 See Treadwell, L. “How to Write a Cover Letter When You Have a Felony.” 

https://work.chron.com/write-cover-letter-felony-16606.html 

KEEP IN MIND...

Potential employers may ask about any 

gaps in your employment history during 

the time you were incarcerated. Honesty 

about your incarceration is the best 

policy. Your cover letter is a good place 

to explain your personal situation and 

growth. If you had a job while 

incarcerated, you should mention it in 

your resume and cover letter. Highlight 

the skills you used in the job and explain 

how they would help you in future jobs. 

See Appendix B for a sample cover letter 

to see how you might describe your 

criminal history to employers. 
Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

24

See Appendix B for a sample resume and cover letter. You also can find 

helpful resources on how to write a cover letter on the internet. For 

example: 

• The CareerOneStop website includes a template for writing cover letters at 

https://www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/Resumes/cover-letterssample.aspx. 

• See Indeed.com for more information on how to prepare a successful 

cover letter. Go to https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-coverletters/parts-of-cover-letter. 

• For suggestions on how to describe your criminal history and any gaps in 

employment, see the “Employment Information Handbook For ExOffenders,” from the U.S. Department of Labor at 

https://www.doc.state.nc.us/Publications/DOL.Exoffender.Handbook.pdf. 

Reference Lists and Letters 

References are people who can speak positively about your abilities, skills, 

and experience. You may be asked for the names of references when you 

apply for a job or to a college program. References should be people who 

know you well, such as former employers, teachers, religious leaders, or 

mentors. You should not use family members as references. 

Make a list of references that includes names, titles, and contact information 

(such as phone numbers and email addresses). Always ask permission first 

from someone you want to use as a reference. This is polite, and it helps to 

make sure that your references don’t ignore calls or delete emails from 

hiring managers asking about you. 

Some potential employers may ask for letters of recommendation from your 

references. Be sure that you ask them to do this as early as possible before 

the letters are needed. Give your references information about the job or 

program you’re applying for and the name and address where the letter 

should be sent.
Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

25

For Males Only: Register for Selective Service to Get State 

and Federal Assistance 

If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25 living in the United States, you 

must register for Selective Service. The federal government uses Selective Service 

registration to draft people for military service when needed. If you do not 

register for Selective Service, you may not be eligible to get some federal and 

state services. If you have already registered, you can verify your registration by 

going to https://www.sss.gov/verify/ or calling 1-847-688-6888. Enter your last 

name, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your registration online. 

A 2021 change to the law removed the requirement that male students register 

with the Selective Service before the age of 26 to be eligible for federal student 

aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. While the Selective Service 

question will still appear on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)

until the 2023–24 version, if you do not register for Selected Service, it will no 

longer impact your eligibility for federal student aid. 

Registering for Selective Service 

You can register for the Selective Service on the internet and by mail.

• On the internet: Go to https://www.sss.gov. Click “Register Online.” Fill 

out the form that appears on the page, and then click “Submit 

Registration” at the bottom. 

• By mail: Get a “mail-back form” from your local post office. Complete the 

card and mail it to 

Selective Service System 

Registration Information Office 

P.O. Box 94638 

Palatine, IL 60094-4638

Requesting an Application for Appeal

If you are over age 25 and haven’t registered for Selective Service, you may 

be able to appeal to gain access to federal programs and benefits. You can 

request an application for appeal on the internet or by phone:

• On the internet: Go to https://www.sss.gov and then choose “Men 26 and 

older” from the menu that appears. You will need to attach proof that you 

were incarcerated during the time you should have registered for Selective 

Service. You can use your release papers for documentation. 

• By phone: Call 847-688-6888 to request a Status Information Letter form. In 

the form, describe in detail what prevented you from registering and provide 
Chapter 3. Gather Information and Get Organized

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

26

copies of documents showing any periods between your 18th and 26th 

birthdays when you were hospitalized, institutionalized, or incarcerated. You 

can use your release papers to document your incarceration. 

STEP 2 

Get Organized 

Getting organized, wherever you are, means keeping documents safe, 

setting up your space, and organizing your time. You’ll need your personal

documents as you look for jobs, change jobs, and pursue your education or 

training goals. It’s important to keep them in a safe place where you can 

easily find them. Keep track of the documents in large envelopes or file 

folders and put them in a place where they won’t be disturbed. If you save 

files electronically, be sure to create back-up versions. 

If you are currently incarcerated, ask trusted family members or friends to 

keep important documents for you. Before release, check in with your case 

manager or transition coordinator to make sure you have all the 

documents you need, such as your transcript for any courses you took 

while incarcerated, to continue your education after release. 

Set up a space where you will be able to store your documents, books, and 

other materials for your job search, work, or education plans. When you 

enroll in an education program, you can use this space for doing 

homework, so it should be a place where you can focus. If you prefer quiet, 

for example, set up your space away from the television, radio, and other 

people. While incarcerated, setting up your space may mean keeping a box 

of books under your bed, posting notes or reminders on your cell wall, or 

storing learning materials in the classroom. To find a quiet space, visit your 

facility’s library when allowed.

Organizing your time is important, whether you are looking for work, 

applying for education programs, or enrolled in college or a training 

program. Setting and keeping a schedule is especially important if you are 

trying to balance work, education, and family responsibilities. Set up a 

weekly or monthly schedule for yourself. Find blocks of time that you can 

focus on your job search, on learning about more education or training, or 

on your homework. If you know you have difficulty focusing for long 

periods of time, set aside shorter periods, like 20 minutes or so. If you 

know that you are more focused in the morning, use that time for your job 

search or for homework.
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 27

CHAPTER 4. 

Earn Your High School 

Credential 

You already may have earned some high school 

credits or taken courses while incarcerated. If 

so, now you can build on that experience by 

getting a credential that will open doors to 

work, training, and further education. According 

to the U.S. Census Bureau, a high school 

graduate earns about $6,000 more a year, on 

average, than someone without a diploma.5

 

Earning a credential — and keeping your skills 

current — is a necessary step on the path to a 

more stable, secure life. This chapter describes 

different options for earning a high school 

credential. It includes the following steps: 

STEP 1 Know Where to Start

STEP 2 Find the Education Services You Need

STEP 3 Earn a Credential

5 Education Attainment. American Community Survey. (2019). Subject Table S1501. 

Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau. 

https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=S1501&tid=ACSST1Y2019.S1501 

I enrolled in GED 

classes and had an 

instructor who encouraged 

me and saw my potential. 

After passing the GED test, I 

just kept going. Education 

opens up so many doors. I 

earned my associate degree 

and was chosen as the 

‘student of the year’ and the 

commencement speaker. 

Standing on that stage in my 

cap and gown, sharing my 

life story, and getting a 

standing ovation, was such a 

momentous occasion for me 

and for people like me.

Freda

Read Freda’s story in Appendix A
Chapter 4. Earn Your High School Credential

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

28

STEP 1 

Know Where to Start 

You have several options to earn your high school diploma: 

• An adult high school diploma

• A high school equivalency (HSE) credential

• The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) 

• State-sponsored high school diploma options 

An adult high school diploma program allows you to complete high school 

credits. You may be able to study for and earn this diploma online. An HSE 

credential involves taking and passing a test such as GED® or High School 

Equivalency Test (HiSET®) . Your teacher can help you figure out which HSE 

test options are offered in your state and how to prepare for the test. The 

NEDP asks you to complete a series of life-skill and academic tasks to 

demonstrate your high-school-level skills. A state-sponsored option — in 

states such as California, Minnesota, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Vermont, 

Washington, and Wisconsin — allows you to earn a high school credential by 

completing college credits or meeting other requirements.

If you already have some high school credits toward a diploma, it may be 

faster to keep working toward earning that diploma, rather than choosing 

another option. If you don’t have many high school credits, other options 

may take less time. Even if you already got a high school credential a while 

ago, you may need to refresh your skills in reading or math.

In any case, the first step is finding out which skills you need to improve. 

You don’t want to waste time learning things you already know or taking 

classes that you are not prepared for. The way to do this is through an 

education assessment. 

Education Assessments 

Several agencies give education assessments. An education assessment is a 

way to find out what your basic skills are in reading, writing, and math. You 

may be asked a series of questions about your experience and abilities on a 

form or in an interview. You also may take a placement test to determine 

which level of classes you need and to keep track of your progress over time. 

If you are incarcerated now, you can check with your facility’s education 

program, a librarian, or a counselor about taking an education assessment. 
Chapter 4. Earn Your High School Credential

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

29

The following will help you find agencies offering assessments in your 

community. 

• Most adult education programs offer assessments, and some 

offer placement tests. To find a program near you, go to the 

National Literacy Directory at https://lincs.ed.gov/professionaldevelopment/resource-collections/profile-986. 

• Community colleges usually offer both assessments and 

placement tests. Search for your local community college on the 

website of the American Association of Community Colleges at 

https://www.aacc.nche.edu. Click on “Search our Community 

College Finder” near the middle of the page. Once you find the 

website for your local college, search for “assessments” or 

“placement test.” Other community organizations also may 

provide help. For information about how to locate these other 

organizations, go to Chapter 1, page 8. 

• Check with the front desk at your local public library for 

information on local agencies offering assessments. 

To figure out your education level, you may take a standard assessment, 

such as the Test of Adult Basic Skills (TABE) and the Comprehensive Student 

Assessment System (CASAS) tests. Other assessments may also be available, 

some of which charge fees. Contact a local adult education program, 

community college, or library to learn more about the types of assessments 

offered in your state and their costs. 

Learning Challenges 

Everyone feels challenged by some parts of education and learning. Many 

people have learning differences — also known as “learning disabilities” — 

that can affect their ability to read, write, speak, use math, and reason. They

also can affect a person’s ability to pay attention, memory, coordination, social 

skills, and emotions. Some common learning differences include ADHD, 

dyslexia (difficulty with reading), and dyscalculia (difficulty with math). Maybe

you have a disability that was identified during your schooling. But, if not, and 

if you think you have a learning difference, you can learn ways to manage

these differences. The first step is to get assessed by a qualified person who 

can identify your learning challenges and services to help you. 

Preparing for HSE testing while 

incarcerated

If you are incarcerated and taking HSE 

preparation classes, ask your teacher about 

getting a “progress report” before your release. 

This report will show where you are in the 

process of preparing for an HSE test. From this, 

you can figure out what kind of services you’ll 

need after release. Keep your progress report 

and any other information related to your 

education while incarcerated in a safe place (for 

example, you can ask your teacher or counselor 

to hold it for you in a filing cabinet). 
Chapter 4. Earn Your High School Credential

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

30

Here’s how to find agencies that help with these types of assessments:

• Find your local community mental health center by going to 

https://www.samhsa.gov/. Scroll down and click on “Behavioral Health 

Treatment Services Locator,” and search for a center near you. Health 

services often are available at low or no cost.

• Search for local literacy and adult education centers by going to the 

National Literacy Directory at https://lincs.ed.gov/professionaldevelopment/resource-collections/profile-986. 

• Visit the American Association of Community Colleges website at 

https://www.aacc.nche.edu. Click on “Search our Community College 

Finder” to find the college nearest you. Then search for the student 

services office or department at that college.

• Find a VR office near you by following the instructions in Chapter 1, page

10. If you are looking for a job, VR offices may be able to help with costs for 

taking an assessment to identify a learning disability or other disability.

• Search on the internet using terms like “learning disability assessment” and 

including the name of your town. 

Once you complete an assessment, you will receive a diagnosis, which is a 

description of your learning differences. The person providing the diagnosis 

will tell you about support services and suggest appropriate jobs and 

education or training. Education programs often provide what are called 

“accommodations” if you have a learning difference. These accommodations 

will help you participate in education activities, including testing, at a level 

similar to adults without learning differences. Testing accommodations, for 

example, might give you more time to take the test or a private room for 

testing. Other types of accommodations include counseling or help with 

reading and writing. 

STEP 2 

Find the Education Services You Need 

Depending on your assessment results, you may qualify for one of several 

services offered by adult education programs. Typically, a counselor or case 

manager will help you figure out which adult education service is the best fit. 

In some states, local programs teach through group classes, and others offer 

one-on-one tutoring, small-group learning, or distance learning. Available 

services vary from state to state. These services may include adult basic 
Chapter 4. Earn Your High School Credential

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

31

education (ABE), adult secondary education (ASE), NEDP, English literacy 

instruction, and Integrated Education and Training (IET): 

• ABE: These services help adults learn the basic skills needed in everyday 

life, such as reading, writing, math, problem solving, financial planning, and

computer skills. If your assessment results show that you that you do not 

have these skills or need to refresh these skills, you are eligible for adult 

education, even if you already have a credential. 

• ASE: These services help adults prepare for HSE tests or earn an adult high 

school diploma through either online or in-person instruction. Although 

there are different tests used to measure high school skills, you will earn a 

similar credential. The test you take will depend on your state. Some states 

offer two or three HSE tests. HSE tests are usually taken on a computer, 

but some are paper-and-pencil tests. A fee is charged for HSE tests, and 

some ASE programs can help you cover the test costs. 

• NEDP: In some states, you can earn the NEDP by completing life-skill and 

academic tasks at the high school level. Instructors review your reading, 

writing, math, and work-readiness skills as you compile examples of your 

skills and life experiences. 

• English literacy: These services help people who did not learn English as 

their first language to improve their skills in speaking, reading, and writing 

in English. Sometimes these services also help prepare immigrant students 

to become U.S. citizens. 

• Dual enrollment or IET: In dual enrollment or IET programs, 

adult education services are combined with career, technical, or 

occupational training. That is, you will work on basic skills, 

English literacy, a credential, or a diploma at the same time as 

you get training for a job. Instructors from both adult education 

and workforce training work together to help you learn both sets 

of skills at the same time. You will also learn important skills for 

work, such as good communication and teamwork. Programs will 

vary based on the types of jobs needing employees in your local 

area. Some IET programs offer college credit for training, and 

others provide non-credit training. 

If you are incarcerated, you can check with your facility’s education 

program, a librarian, or a counselor to find out how to get adult education 

services. 

Enrolling in adult education programs 

while incarcerated

If you are incarcerated, adult education 

services may be available at your correctional 

facility. These programs are free but may have 

a waiting list. Check with your education 

department or case manager to see if these 

classes are available in your facility and how to 

find adult education services in your 

community after your release. 
Chapter 4. Earn Your High School Credential

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

32

To locate these services in your community: 

• Search the National Literacy Directory at https://lincs.ed.gov/professionaldevelopment/resource-collections/profile-986. 

• Ask your local reentry program or supervising officer about education 

services. 

• Visit your local public library or AJC for information on adult education 

programs in your area. 

• Find courses at your local community or technical college through the 

website of the American Association of Community Colleges at 

https://www.aacc.nche.edu. Click on “Search our Community College 

Finder” near the middle of the page. Once you find the website for your 

local college, search for “adult education program,” “HSE,” or “IET.” 

KEEP IN MIND...

Be patient. Sometimes programs may have waiting lists or enroll students only at certain times of the year. 

You may not be able to start services the first time you visit a program.

Prepare on your own. If you can’t sign up for services right away or if your schedule doesn’t allow you to go 

to class, you can prepare for a high school diploma or an HSE test or refresh your skills online or on your own. 

Adult high school diplomas can be earned through online high school programs. Before enrolling, though, be 

sure the program is accredited (see Chapter 5, page 39, to learn more about accredited programs). You also 

can find books or software to help you prepare for an HSE test at your public library. Preparation materials 

usually include practice HSE tests. You also can find sample HSE tests online at

https://ged.com/study/ged_ready/ 

https://hiset.ets.org/resources/prep/ 

https://www.passged.com/free-test#sign-up, or 

https://www.testpreview.com. 

Work with others. Getting together with others who are working toward a high school credential can 

motivate you and give support through the process. Think about joining or forming a study group. If you are 

on a waiting list with a program, ask the program if you can join an existing study group or if they can help 

you form a group.
Chapter 4. Earn Your High School Credential

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33

STEP 3 

Earn a Credential: Take an HSE Test 

An HSE test allows you to show that you have gained the knowledge and 

skills needed to earn a state high school equivalency diploma. As of 2022, 

two HSE tests can lead to an HSE credential: GED® and HiSET®. Different HSE 

tests are available depending on the state you live in; few states offer both

tests. 

To find information about the GED test, or preparing to take the test, visit 

https://ged.com/. To find a place where you can take the GED test: 

• Go online to https://ged.com/about_test/scheduling/. Then scroll down 

and click “See where I can test.” Then type your ZIP code in the search bar, 

and click “search.”

• Keep in mind that the GED test usually cannot be taken online; it must be 

taken through a testing center. If you see information about taking the 

GED test online, it may be a scam. Always check https://ged.com/take-theged-test-online/ before signing up for an online GED test. 

To find information about the HiSET, or preparing to take the test, visit 

https://hiset.ets.org/. To find a place where you can take the HiSET: 

• Go online to https://hiset.ets.org/requirements/schedule/. Then look for 

your state requirements at https://hiset.ets.org/requirements/state If your 

state is not listed, you cannot take the HiSET in your state and must choose 

another HSE option. 

Earn an Adult High School Diploma 

You may prefer to get an adult high school diploma rather than take an HSE 

test. This option will be more like a traditional high school, where you earn 

your diploma by taking courses. Many adult high school programs are 

available online and offer programs through distance learning (see page 40 

in Chapter 5 for more information about online programs). Some adult high 

school diploma programs charge tuition and may require you to have some 

high school credits to enroll. 

If you decide to enroll in an adult high school diploma program, check to see 

if the program is “accredited.” Accredited programs are those that meet 

certain requirements, have been approved by the U.S. Department of 

Education, and generally offer better services. Diplomas from unaccredited 

programs may not be accepted by other education programs, colleges, or 
Chapter 4. Earn Your High School Credential

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34

employers. For more information about accreditation, see page 39 in 

Chapter 5. 

To find an adult high school diploma program:

• Search the internet using terms like “adult high school diploma program” 

and include the name of your town, neighborhood, or school district in the 

search box. 

• Search for local literacy and adult education centers by going to National 

Literacy Directory at https://lincs.ed.gov/professionaldevelopment/resource-collections/profile-986. 

• Visit your local public library and ask the staff at the front desk for 

information on adult high school diploma programs. 

To find an NEDP location: 

• Visit: http://www.casas.org/nedp/locations. Click on the link to your state. 

If your state is not listed, you cannot earn an NEDP credential in your state 

and must choose another adult high school diploma or HSE option. 
Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 35

CHAPTER 5. 

Choose and Enroll in a 

College or Career 

Program 

As you look beyond high school, what do you see happening next? Many 

options are open to you, and everyone needs to continue learning across their 

lifetime. Learning is not only about getting ready for a career. You can learn new 

skills, or strengthen the skills you already have, to help your children learn or for 

your own personal interest and growth. 

This chapter discusses options for education and training after high school and 

how to choose a program that meets your needs. There are many programs 

available, and you’ll need to think about your goals and what type of education 

or training can help you reach them. This chapter also includes information 

about applying to college or training programs, organized into the following 

steps: 

STEP 1 Some Important Things to Consider

STEP 2 Choose a College Program

Learning alongside college students in the community 

exposed me to my own intelligence and untapped potential. 

My fellow incarcerated classmates and I supported each other 

throughout that 16-week experience not only in our 

intellectual pursuits but also in “becoming” our true authentic 

selves.

Adam

Read Adam’s story in Appendix A
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

36

STEP 1 

Some Important Things to Consider 

Many adults have many education, work, and family responsibilities. It can 

be hard to handle all of these responsibilities, so you need to find a college 

or career program that works well for you. Pick a program that you can fit in 

with your other responsibilities and that matches your learning style, 

interests, finances, and career goals. To help you pick the right program, 

here are some things to think about. 

Options for Career and Technical Training 

Pre-apprenticeships and Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships pay you a 

salary while you learn a specific trade or profession. These programs allow 

you to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in your chosen field, 

under the guidance of more experienced employees. Pre-apprenticeship 

programs help you learn ABE, ASE, or English literacy skills (see Chapter 4) 

as you prepare for an apprenticeship. For more information on 

apprenticeship programs, go to https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Another 

resource is the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship at 

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/apprenticeship. Second Chance Jobs 

offers apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs — see 

http://secondchancejobcenter.com/. You also should ask your counselor or 

case manager for information about apprenticeships in your community. 

Internships: Becoming an intern can help you learn whether or not you will 

enjoy working in a certain field. Internships are part-time jobs (usually 

between five to 15 hours a week) that give you real-world experience in a 

field. Some internships are paid, but others are unpaid or will earn you 

school credit. If you want to work at a specific company or organization, an 

internship can help you “get your foot in the door.” Internships are good to 

include on your resume because they show experience in your field. To find 

internships, look at job boards or search internship websites like 

InternJobs.com or idealist.org. You can also look at national and local 

companies that interest you. Make a list of the companies where you’d like 

to be an intern, and then visit each company’s website. Look for a careers or 

employment page on the website, and check to see if there is a section 

for internships. 

Vocational Rehabilitation: VR programs help people with physical or mental 

disabilities prepare for, get, keep, or regain employment. Substance addiction 

may qualify as a disability. VR services can include counseling, job training, 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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37

healthcare services, and others. If additional education is necessary for an 

individual’s career goal, VR services can pay education expenses under certain 

circumstances. To learn more about VR programs, see Chapter 1, page 10. 

Job Corps: Job Corps offers young people aged 16–24 the chance to get a 

free education and training while being paid a monthly allowance. Usually, 

Job Corps participants live at a Job Corps residence while getting their 

training. To learn more about Job Corps and find the Job Corps center near 

you, call 1-800-733-5627 or go to http://www.jobcorps.gov. 

College Options

College is another option for gaining skills and knowledge. College programs 

include both career-technical and academic options (see Step 2 for 

descriptions of these options). Research shows that people with a college 

education earn more money than those without one, and they are more 

likely to stay employed.6

 

If no one in your family has been to college. You may be the first person in 

your family to go to college or university. You are not alone — one in six 

college students is a first-generation college student (that is, their parents did 

not go to college). Most, but not all, colleges require you to have a high school 

diploma or HSE (see Chapter 4 if you did not finish high school) to enroll. 

College is different from high school and from adult education. Learning how 

to navigate the college experience takes time and practice. Some colleges 

offer services for first-generation college students, such as a TRIO program.7

These services include finding financial aid, advice on choosing courses, getting 

help with writing or other skills, and working with a mentor or a support group 

who can show you the ropes and encourage you to keep going. 

In college, you will take courses, a series of classes for a specific length of 

time (for example, 12 to 16 weeks, which is called a semester). You may take 

classes online or in person. Typically, you will earn three or four college 

credits for each course, with each credit representing an hour of class time 

per week. For every hour of class you take, you can expect to put in two to 

three hours of study time each week. During your study time, you can read 

assigned materials, complete written assignments, prepare for tests, and 

work with classmates on a group project. Some college programs are short6 Torpey, E. (2020). Education pays. Career Outlook. 

https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/data-on-display/education-pays.htm 

7 For more information on TRIO programs, visit 

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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38

term, requiring 18 or 24 credits, and can be completed in several months to 

a year. Others are longer term, such as an associate degree program, 

requiring about 60 credits and at least two years to complete, or a bachelor’s 

degree, 120 to 130 credits and taking at least four years to complete. 

Full-time or part-time enrollment. Many colleges allow students to attend 

either full-time or part-time. Full-time students usually take four or more 

courses (a minimum of 12 credit hours) at the same time, while part-time 

students take fewer courses. Part-time enrollment is often the best option 

for students who must work and take care of their families. It is an important 

decision because part-time students pay for each course they take. Full-time 

students pay full tuition, which is typically a set amount for an entire 

semester or a year. 

Many colleges offer classes in the evening and on weekends, and almost all 

colleges offer courses — sometimes even entire programs — completely 

online. These schedule options allow students to work full time and still be 

able to attend college. Keep in mind that to get financial aid (discussed in 

Chapter 6), you must be enrolled at least half time (typically at least six credit 

hours) each semester.8

 Some colleges may offer campus jobs (often called 

work-study) as part of a financial aid plan. If you can work in a job related to 

your program of study, you may learn more by combining classroom and 

hands-on experiences. You also may want to do an internship while you study. 

Large or small colleges. Colleges can range in size from fewer than 400

students to more than 40,000. Small and large colleges each have advantages 

and drawbacks. In general, small colleges have smaller class sizes, making it 

easier for you to get to know your professors and other students. Small 

colleges offer fewer types of classes, however. Large colleges usually offer a 

wide selection of classes, but class sizes often are large as well, so getting to 

know your professors and other students may take more time. 

Public or private colleges. A public college or university is one funded by a 

state or local government, while a private college relies on funding from nongovernmental sources. In general, public colleges and universities will be less 

expensive than private schools. Some private colleges are for-profit colleges 

— that is, the college is a business designed to make money — and others are 

not-for-profit. Community colleges, also called technical or junior colleges,

8 U.S. Department of Education (2020). 2020–2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook: 

Volume 1 – Student Eligibility. https://ifap.ed.gov/ilibrary/document-types/federalstudent-aid-handbook?award_year=2020-2021. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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39

are typically funded by government and usually the least expensive option. 

Many have an open admissions policy, meaning that anyone can attend 

classes there without having to meet competitive admission requirements. 

Costs can be offset by student financial aid, as described in Chapter 6. 

Accreditation. If a college or university is accredited, it meets certain 

standards for the quality of education and services it provides. Accreditation 

is important to ensure that students get a good education that will be 

recognized by employers and other education programs. Both public and 

private colleges may be accredited. Accredited schools must be approved by 

an organization (called “an accrediting organization”) recognized by the U.S. 

Department of Education. Some colleges may say they are accredited, but 

they don’t actually meet this standard. Many college programs offer a 

degree or certificate, but not all are of high quality, and some predatory forprofit colleges are scams. Some even offer degrees without requiring you to 

take any courses! While that may sound tempting, in the end, that degree 

will be worthless to employers, to any future colleges you may want to 

attend, and to you. Here’s why accreditation is important: 

• You must attend an accredited college to be eligible for government 

financial aid. 

• Employers generally value credentials from an accredited institution with a 

good reputation, and they view job seekers with such credentials more 

favorably. 

• If you earn credits from an unaccredited college, you can’t transfer those 

credits to an accredited college and will have to pay to take the same 

courses over again. 

To learn more about accreditation and find out if the college you are 

interested in is accredited, visit the following websites: 

• The Council on Higher Education Accreditation at https://www.chea.org

• The U.S. Department of Education at 

https://www.ed.gov/accreditation?src=accred. You can also call for 

information: 202-453-7615 or send an email to 

aslrecordsmanager@ed.gov. 

• The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs at 

https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home/ provides a searchable database of 

accredited programs. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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Online courses and degrees: Most colleges offer classes and degree 

programs through the internet. This is called “distance learning,” and 

these “virtual classes” can make it easier to attend if you have difficulty 

attending in person. To take these classes, you need access to highspeed internet and a computer or tablet that can get and use the 

software and media required for courses. You need to plan your time 

carefully to view or download class content regularly and to meet all 

course requirements. 

In some online programs, classes are offered “synchronously” — that is, 

where the instructor and students meet online at the same time, 

perhaps through a computer program like Zoom, Google Classroom, or 

Big Blue Button. In other programs, recorded instructor lectures, course 

materials, and other resources are “asynchronous” — that is, you can get 

and use them any time of day or night. Online courses and degrees often 

are offered by unaccredited colleges, as well as accredited colleges, so be 

sure to check the college accreditation before you enroll. The quality of 

online courses and degrees can also differ. You may want to check the 

National Standards for Quality Online Learning (https://www.nsqol.org/) to 

see if the program you plan to enroll in meets the quality criteria. 

Online courses have both benefits and drawbacks: 

• An online course does not require you to go anywhere. You can take online 

courses wherever you are, as long as you can get online. 

• You can set your own pace in taking online courses, by registering for one 

course at a time or for full-time enrollment, which may reduce the time it 

takes you to complete your program. 

• Though being able to use online devices (such as a computer or tablet), 

web browsers, email, online platforms, and word processing software is 

helpful, quality programs will support students learning to navigate online 

education platforms and processes. Motivation, self-direction, flexibility, 

and a willingness to learn are important in online learning as well. 

• Asynchronous courses allow you a lot of flexibility to “attend class,” meet 

with fellow students, or contact the instructor for help in the early 

morning, after work, or on weekends. 

9 Davis, Lois. (2019). Higher Education Programs in Prison: What We Know Now and What 

We Should Focus on Going Forward. https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PE342.html 

Enrolling in college courses while 

incarcerated

If you already have a high school diploma 

or equivalency credential and have some 

time before your release, you might take 

college courses while incarcerated. 

Studies show that taking these courses 

could significantly reduce your chances of 

returning after release9. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

41

• You may miss some of the benefits of in-person attendance, such as 

getting to know the instructor and other students, asking and getting 

answers to questions during class time, and being able to discuss your 

views and opinions with other class members. 

STEP 2 

Choose a College Program 

As part of choosing a college program, make sure to do your research. One 

place to start is the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, 

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/, where you can find information about 

accredited colleges, such as costs, programs offered, enrollments, graduation 

rates, and more. If a college is not accredited, you may spend a lot of money

— your own or your financial aid funds —for very little result, and you will 

not be able to access federal financial aid for the school. Read more about 

this in Chapter 6. Many colleges, especially community colleges, offer both 

career and technical programs and academic programs. Career and technical 

education (CTE) programs teach you specific skills needed for specific jobs, 

for example, automotive repair or medical technician. Some of these 

programs also are called “workforce,” “technical,” or “vocational” training. 

They combine classroom learning with hands-on training. Academic 

programs generally don’t prepare you for a specific job or profession. 

Instead, they provide you with broad knowledge and skills that can help you 

succeed in many different jobs or careers. 

Many CTE options

CTE is offered in the following areas, among others: 

Arts, media, and communication; business, management, and finance; 

consumer services, hospitality, and tourism; construction and development; 

environmental, agricultural, and natural resource systems; healthcare and 

biosciences; human resource services; information technology; manufacturing, 

engineering, and technology; and transportation technologies. 

CTE Programs 

CTE programs combine technical and academic training to prepare you for a 

job. They are offered by public community and technical colleges and private 

trade schools. Depending on the program, you can enroll for several months 

to a year to earn a certificate, or up to two years to earn an Associate of Arts 

(A.A.) or Associate of Sciences (A.S.) degree. Some programs will prepare you 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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42

to earn a state or national certificate or license, such as a license to be a 

registered nurse or a construction contractor. Costs for CTE programs vary 

widely, depending on the location, school, and program. Community and 

technical colleges usually are the least expensive option. 

If you want to learn skills for a specific job and don’t yet meet the 

requirements for a CTE program, you can consider an Integrated Education 

and Training (IET) program instead. In IET programs, adult education services 

(see Chapter 4) are combined with career, technical, or occupational 

training. You work on basic skills, English literacy, a credential, or a diploma 

at the same time as you get training for an occupation, such as welding, 

nursing, or office technician. Some IET programs offer college credit for the 

occupational training, and others provide non-credit training. 

Finding CTE or IET Programs 

Here are some ways to find out about programs offering CTE 

certificates and degrees: 

• To find out more about CTE, go to the Advance CTE website at

https://careertech.org/career-clusters. Click on one of the 16 

career clusters for more information. You can take a student 

interest survey to learn more about your interests and jobs that 

might be a good fit, at https://careertech.org/resource/careerclusters-student-interest-survey. You also can browse jobs in 

different fields and find out what jobs are available now. 

• Search for training programs, colleges, or major fields of study 

at the CareerOneStop site for reentering adults: 

https://www.careeronestop.org/ExOffender/Toolkit/find-localtraining.aspx. 

• Search for your local community college at https://www.aacc.nche.edu by 

clicking on “Search our Community College Finder” near the middle of the 

page. Once you find the website for your local community college, search 

for CTE programs offered there. 

• To find an IET program, search the National Literacy Directory for your 

local adult education program, at https://lincs.ed.gov/professionaldevelopment/resource-collections/profile-986. 

• Search on the internet using terms like “career and technical education” and

the field you are interested in studying, such as “plumbing” or “computer 

repair.” Be sure to include the name of your town or state in the search box. 

Finding CTE and IET programs while you 

are incarcerated

If you are incarcerated, CTE and IET programs 

may be available at your correctional facility. 

Some CTE programs require students to have a 

high school credential or be fluent in English, 

and many have waiting lists. IET programs do 

not require a high school credential or English 

fluency. Check with your education department, 

counselor, case manager, or librarian to see if 

these programs are available in your facility. Or 

ask how to find these programs in your 

community after your release. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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Academic Programs 

Academic programs are offered by community colleges, four-year colleges, 

and universities. These programs help you learn broad knowledge and skills 

that can apply to many types of careers. You can earn an associate degree 

(usually two years of full-time course work, or about 60 credits) or a bachelor’s

degree (usually four years of full-time course work, or 120 to 130 credits). 

Many options for academic study

You can find academic programs in many fields. Some of the most common 

are (in alphabetical order): accounting, biology, business administration, 

chemistry, economics, education, English literature, ethnic studies, history, 

legal studies, music, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, 

religion, sociology, urban studies, art, women’s studies, and gender studies. 

Colleges Offering Academic Programs 

Community Colleges 

Many students, especially those who haven’t been in school for a while, 

begin their academic study at community colleges. Community colleges 

offer a low-cost option and wide variety of programs. Costs vary by state. 

In the 2020–21 school year, for example, the average tuition and fees for 

a full school year at community colleges was $3,770.10, 11 Generally, they 

are among the least expensive options for higher education, and they 

offer many courses for students needing extra study in the basics or those 

with learning disabilities. Many community colleges allow you to earn a 

high school diploma or HSE credential at the same time you are earning 

college credits. 

10 Ma, J., Pender, M., & Libassi, C.J. (2020). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 

2020. The College Board. https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricingstudent-aid-2020.pdf 

11 Note that these amounts are just for tuition and fees, and they don’t include other 

costs to attend college, like housing, books, or transportation. If you receive financial 

aid, you may not have to pay the full tuition and fees on your own. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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44

Community colleges offer both academic and CTE programs. You can 

earn an associate degree at a community college and then transfer to a 

four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some community colleges 

have agreements with four-year colleges and universities guaranteeing 

that you can transfer credits to those schools (see Transferring Credit on 

page 48). You will need to check before beginning an associate program, 

however, to make sure the credits will transfer to a four-year college. 

Search for your local community college at https://www.aacc.nche.edu

by clicking on “Search our Community College Finder” near the middle of 

the page. 

Many academic programs at community colleges require you to have a 

high school credential to enroll. Community colleges generally have 

“open admissions,” meaning that if you meet the education 

requirements, you will be admitted automatically if space is available in 

your chosen program. You need to fill out an application for admission, 

which you can usually find on the college’s website. You also can contact 

the college admissions office and ask them to send you an application by 

regular mail or email. Most colleges charge a nonrefundable fee for your 

application, but if you do not have enough money, check to see if you 

qualify for a waiver of this fee. Keep a copy of your completed 

application and any related paperwork in a safe place. 

KEEP IN MIND...

Even if you have an HSE credential or 

high school diploma, you may need to 

take placement tests before entering 

community college. A placement test 

determines your basic skill levels and 

ensures that you enroll in the right 

classes. Based on your test scores, you 

may have to enroll in developmental 

courses to improve your skills in English 

and math. These courses can take time 

and cost money, but don’t be 

discouraged if you have to take them. 

They will help get you ready for collegelevel courses. Some community colleges 

allow students to take developmental 

courses and college-level courses at the 

same time. Ask your academic counselor 

or staff at the college about this option. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

45

Four-Year Colleges and Universities 

Four-year colleges and universities are both public and private 

institutions offering Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) 

degrees. Costs vary by school, with private colleges and universities 

generally being more expensive than public colleges and universities. In 

public four-year colleges, for example, tuition and fees averaged $10,560 

in 2020–21, and in private four-year colleges, the average yearly cost was 

approximately $37,650 per year. Note that these amounts are just for 

tuition and fees, and they don’t include other costs to attend college, like 

housing, books, or transportation. If you receive financial aid, you may 

not have to pay the full tuition and fees on your own.

12 Getting accepted 

at a private four-year college can be more difficult because many 

students are competing for a limited number of places. Public colleges 

and universities usually have a guaranteed number of openings for 

students transferring from community colleges. You may have a better 

chance of getting into one of these colleges if you transfer from a 

community college. 

For a list of four-year colleges and universities near you, go to 

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search and then search for a 

college by type of school, location, support services, and other criteria. 

College Support Services

At both community colleges and four-year universities, you will find support 

services on campus for first-generation or formerly incarcerated students. 

Support services may include advising, tutoring, counseling, peer support 

groups, mentoring, on-campus childcare, and disability services. 

For example, peer support groups are made up of students that help each 

other learn the ropes, share ideas on coping with the responsibilities of 

college, and receive social and emotional support. Some campuses may have 

peer groups specifically for formerly incarcerated students. Another example 

is a mentoring program. A mentor may be a college staff member, a former 

student, or longtime current student who can offer guidance and 

encouragement. The mentor meets with you one-on-one to talk about your 

questions about college and offer advice and suggestions for services or 

strategies that may be helpful. Additionally, on-campus childcare may be 

12 Ma, J., Pender, M., & Libassi, C.J. (2020). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 

2020. The College Board. https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-collegepricing-student-aid-2020.pdf 

KEEP IN MIND...

If you are applying to a four-year college 

or university as a regular first-year 

student (not transferring from a 

community college), you may need to 

submit test scores for college entrance 

tests. These tests include the SAT and 

ACT. You will need to take these tests 

before you apply for admission. You can 

find more information on the SAT at 

https://www.collegeboard.org and on 

the ACT at https://www.act.org. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

46

available in some colleges, allowing your children to be cared for nearby 

while you are in class. These programs will vary by college, so be sure to 

check with the student services department to see what’s available. 

While every campus provides disability services, some colleges offer many 

more types of services than others. If you have learning challenges (see 

Chapter 4, page 29), you may want to consider colleges with a lot of services 

for students with disabilities. For more information, visit Colleges with 

Programs for Learning Disabled Students| LD OnLine or https://www.collegescholarships.com/colleges-by-state/colleges-with-programs-for-studentswith-learning-disabilities/. 

Enrolling in a Program and Registering for Classes 

You can enroll in CTE and academic programs at community and technical 

colleges and four-year colleges. You may be able to enroll in a CTE program 

at a community or technical college without a high school credential (see IET 

section on page 42). Even if IET is not yet available in your town or 

neighborhood, most community and technical colleges will offer classes and 

support to help you earn your high school credential or learn English. You’ll 

be required to do that to complete some CTE programs. 

To enroll in a program at a community or technical college, you usually need 

to fill out an application, be admitted to the program, and register for 

classes. These programs generally have “open admissions,” meaning that if 

you meet the education requirements, you will be admitted automatically if 

space is available. For programs that are very popular, like nursing, you also 

may have to apply for admission to the program itself. To learn more about 

program requirements and enrollment policies, call the college program 

department that interests you or go to its website. 

If the program you want is offered at a four-year college or university, you 

usually need to have a high school credential to apply. These colleges 

generally require you to apply for admission and be accepted before you can 

register for classes. Applications often are available online (and can be 

submitted online), or you can call the school’s admissions office and ask 

them to send you an application by regular mail or email. There is usually a 

nonrefundable fee for applying, but, if you do not have enough money, 

check with the college’s admissions office to see if you qualify for a waiver of 

this fee. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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47

Along with your application, you may be required to submit 

• an official copy of your high school or HSE transcript (that is, a record of 

the courses or HSE test you took and the grades or HSE scores you 

received). 

• a personal statement about what you want to study and why. 

• letters of recommendation. 

• immunization records (papers signed by your doctor showing that you 

have received vaccinations required by the college where you are 

applying). 

Keep a copy of your completed application and all related paperwork in a 

safe place. 

After you find a college and apply for the program you want, the college will 

contact you to tell you if you have been admitted to the program. The 

college will also assign you to an advisor, who can answer your questions 

about which courses you need and the best order for taking courses. You can 

make an appointment with the advisor by phone or online.

The next step is to register for courses. Check several weeks ahead of time to 

make sure a course you want is available that semester. Not all courses are 

available every semester, and some popular courses can get filled up early. 

Again, your advisor can help you with course questions for your program.

The college registration website may ask you to choose your degree level 

and course of study. After that, you’ll get access to a list of courses. Look for 

the course you want and follow the instructions to register for it. Keep in 

mind that there might be multiple “sections” of a course, meaning that the 

same course is taught by different instructors in different settings or at 

different times. Some sections may be for online classes only. If you can’t 

enroll in a course section, it may be full, so you will need to choose a 

different section. The course also may be open only to students who have 

passed previous required courses, called “prerequisites.” If so, look for a 

similar course or one in another area that meets the requirements for your 

particular program. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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48

Transferring Credit 

Credit for prior education. Some colleges will give you credit toward 

your CTE or academic degree for credit you earned while incarcerated. 

Each college has different policies about applying these types of credit 

to your degree program, so you need to check with the college 

registrar’s office. Generally, however, you must have earned a grade of 

C or better in the course for credit to be transferred. Further, you 

cannot transfer credits from an unaccredited program to an accredited 

program (see Chapter 5, page 39, for more information on 

accreditation). 

The college you are applying to will ask you for your official transcripts 

— a list of the courses taken, and grades received — from colleges you 

attended in the past. Contact the admissions or records office of your 

previous college to ask for an official transcript. Colleges usually charge 

a small fee ($2–$20) to provide transcripts. Keep copies of your 

transcripts in a safe place (for example, in a filing cabinet). You can get 

an unofficial transcript — usually free — to keep for your own records 

from the registrar’s office of the colleges you attended. 

KEEP IN MIND...

If you have taken some college courses 

or are planning to transfer to another 

college, you may not know which 

courses will be accepted for credit by 

the college to which you are applying. 

It’s best, therefore, to send all official 

transcripts for them to review. If you 

owe any money to your previous 

college, they will not send your 

transcripts until you have paid what you 

owe. Contact the admissions or records 

office at your previous college to see if 

you owe money, how much, and if you 

can set up a payment plan. 
Chapter 5. Choose and Enroll in a College or Career Program

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49

Credit for life experience. Some colleges also grant credit for your 

experience outside the classroom, such as employment, volunteer work, 

or specific skills you have. For example, native Spanish speakers or people 

with fluency in Spanish can take a test to get credit for a college foreign 

language requirement without taking a course. The College Level 

Examination Program (CLEP) and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional 

Education Support (DANTES) Credit-By-Exam are tests that allow certain 

college requirements to be waived. 

• You can find information on CLEP at https://clep.collegeboard.org/. 

Click on https://clep.collegeboard.org/earn-college-credit to find out 

how to earn college credit for what you know. A list of available exams 

is at https://clep.collegeboard.org/exams. 

• Information on DANTES is available at 

https://www.dantes.doded.mil/EducationPrograms/index.html#GetCredit. 

Some colleges will allow you to demonstrate life accomplishments through a 

portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of documents and other evidence of 

activities and experiences related to your degree program. Contact your 

college’s advising office to find out about these types of credit. 

Earning an Advanced Degree 

Some careers, such as social work, require a degree beyond a bachelor’s 

degree. These degrees include a master’s degree (MSW) or doctorate (for 

example, a Ph.D.). Graduate degree programs are offered in many fields by 

universities. If you want further education beyond your bachelor’s degree or a 

career in a field requiring an advanced degree, you can find more information 

about these programs online, such as The Princeton Review at 

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school. 

KEEP IN MIND...

If you earned college credit while 

incarcerated, make sure to ask for a 

copy of your transcript. You will need 

this transcript when applying to colleges 

after your release. 
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Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 51

CHAPTER 6. 

Get Money to Pay for 

College 

A college education can be expensive, so you need to look carefully at your 

options for paying for college. Costs should be one important factor in choosing 

where you’d like to study. Most students combine money from several sources 

to pay for college. These include your own funds (wages from work, savings, or 

family assistance) and several types of financial aid. In some fields, employers 

will help pay for college study or training. Keep in mind that on top of the tuition 

and fees, there are other costs with attending college, like housing, books, 

transportation, and other personal costs.

Financial aid can include grants (which do not need to be repaid), loans (which 

must be repaid), and work-study (part-time work, often at your college). 

Applying for federal student financial aid is free.

Be aware that grants, loans, or scholarships that sound “too good to be true” 

can be scams. There are companies that take advantage of students seeking 

money for college, so do very careful research on this. 

This chapter provides an overview on ways to 

pay for college. It is divided into the following 

five steps:

STEP 1 Be Smart About Paying for College

STEP 2 Apply for Federal Student Aid

STEP 3 Get and Complete the FAFSA®

STEP 4 Review Your Student Aid Report

STEP 5 Seek Other Financial Aid

I was motivated to 

pursue higher 

learning both because I found 

it personally rewarding and 

because I wanted to be viewed 

differently in society. It was 

my way of escaping 20 years 

of incarceration and proving 

that my life didn’t go to waste.

Adrian

Read Adrian’s story in Appendix A
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

52

STEP 1 

Be Smart About Paying for College 

Unfortunately, not all schools and colleges are what they seem to be, 

especially some offering CTE or training. Some schools do not have quality 

indicators or meet program accreditation requirements, and may be more 

interested in taking your money than in providing a good education. Online 

education programs can be unaccredited, too, though many are legitimate. 

The same is true for colleges or schools based in foreign countries but 

offering education in the United States. Some are legitimate; some do not 

offer quality or accredited programs.

Do your research to be sure the school you want to 

attend is an accredited institution. One place to start 

is the U.S. Department of Education’s College 

Scorecard, https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/, where 

you can find information about accredited colleges, 

such as costs, programs offered, enrollments, 

graduation rates, and more. If a college is not 

accredited, you may spend a lot of money — your 

own or your financial aid funds — for very little result. 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 

https://www2.ed.gov/students/prep/college/ 

diplomamills/diploma-mills.html), the following 

should be considered “red flags” for colleges that do 

not offer quality programs: 

• Offering degrees that can be earned very quickly, 

for example, a bachelor’s degree that you can earn 

in a few months

• Offering programs that place too much emphasis on 

providing credit for “real-world experience” or that 

require very little work from students

• Requiring tuition payments on a per-degree basis or 

offering discounts for enrolling in several degree 

programs. Accredited institutions charge by credit hours, 

course, or semester. 

• Allowing little or no interaction with professors

KEEP IN MIND...

Don’t assume that your criminal record or credit history will 

prevent you from getting financial aid. Students who are 

currently incarcerated, as well as those on parole and 

probation, can sometimes qualify for federal Pell Grants, state 

grants, work-study, and loans. The amount of financial aid 

you can get depends on your needs. 

Students also are eligible for financial aid if they have settled 

any loans they have defaulted on in the past. The process to 

settle defaulted loans can take nine months to complete. You 

can find more information on this process in Lessons from 

Second Chance Pell: A Toolkit for Helping Incarcerated 

Students Complete the Free Application for Federal Student 

Aid. See page 39 of the toolkit, available online at 

https://www.vera.org/downloads/publications/lessons-fromsecond-chance-pell-toolkit.pdf. 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

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53

• Using names similar to those of well-known reputable universities 

• Having addresses that are box numbers or suites. The “campus” may very 

well be a mail-drop box or someone’s attic.

Some organizations also run scholarship scams — promising scholarship 

money that never arrives; guaranteeing a scholarship in exchange for your 

bank or credit card information; or charging money to provide a scholarship. 

As with diploma mills, the goal of these organizations is simply to cheat you. 

The Federal Trade Commission website has information on avoiding 

scholarship scams. Go to https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoidscholarship-financial-aid-scams. 

STEP 2 

Apply for Federal Student Aid 

Applying for financial aid can seem complicated. You’ll need to 

pay attention to many details. Take your time in filling out forms 

carefully and ask for help from someone who knows about the 

financial aid process, such as your college’s financial aid office. 

To qualify for federal student aid, you must 

• demonstrate financial need (for most programs). 

• be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen. 

• have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of 

students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated 

States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau) or Alien 

Registration Number, a unique number assigned to noncitizens 

by the Department of Homeland Security. This number, also 

called the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 

number, can be found on the front of your Permanent Resident 

Card (Form 1-551).

KEEP IN MIND...

If you do not have a high school diploma or the 

recognized equivalent (such as a GED certificate), 

you still may be eligible for federal financial aid 

under the ability-to-benefit (ATB) provisions. You 

must be enrolled in an eligible career pathway 

program — such as IET — in order to qualify for 

ATB. You also will need to pass an approved ATB 

test or complete six credit hours that count 

toward a degree or certificate. Learn more about 

ATB at https://studentaid.gov/understandaid/eligibility/requirements or by talking with 

your school’s financial aid office. 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

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54

• be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in 

an eligible degree or certificate program. Note that you can 

apply for financial aid before you have been accepted to a 

college program. On the 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, called the FAFSA, 

you need to list all colleges to which you might apply.

• be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan 

program funds (loans handled by the U.S. Department of 

Education directly, rather than through a bank or other 

organization). 

• make acceptable academic progress in college or career school 

(generally, you must maintain a C average and take enough 

courses to complete your program within a specific amount of time). 

• sign statements on the FAFSA certifying that you are not in default on a 

federal student loan, do not owe money on a federal loan, and will use 

federal student aid only for educational purposes. 

• show that you’re qualified for college or career and technical education by 

having a high school diploma or equivalent, by completing a high school 

education in a home-school setting approved by your state, or by 

completing an ability-to-benefit alternative and enrolling in an eligible 

career pathway program. 

Financial aid is intended to help you pay the cost of attending your college. 

This includes tuition and student fees; room and board; transportation, 

books, and supplies; and expenses related to your education, as determined 

by the college. Money from grants and loans first goes directly to your

college. Then, if money is left over after your school bill has been paid, you 

may get that remaining money to cover other education costs. Avoid using 

that money to pay for anything other than costs related to school. It’s not 

free money, and you usually have to pay it back. 

KEEP IN MIND...

Prior to 2021, if you were convicted of possessing 

or selling illegal drugs while previously getting 

student aid, you needed to answer questions on 

the FAFSA® and fill out a worksheet to see if you 

were eligible for federal student aid. This is no 

longer true with the implementation of the 

FAFSA Simplification Act. While these questions 

remain on the FAFSA for 2021–22, they no longer 

have an impact on financial aid eligibility. 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

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55

The FAFSA® and Types of Aid

The starting point for applying for financial aid is the Free 

Application for Federal Student Aid, called the FAFSA. You use the 

FAFSA to apply for several types of federal student aid (for a 

complete list of types of student aid, go to 

http://www.studentaid.gov/resources): 

• Pell Grants for low-income students who do not already have a 

bachelor’s degree. In 2021–22, students could receive a 

maximum Pell Grant of $6,495. 

• Direct Loans, low-interest loans that can be taken out by 

students or their parents. These loans can be subsidized, which 

means they are available to students with financial need, or 

unsubsidized, which do not depend on financial need. Students can borrow 

up to a maximum of $5,500–$12,500 of direct loans per year, depending 

on what year you are in school and whether you are a dependent. If you 

are incarcerated, you cannot borrow a Direct Loan.

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), meritbased (meaning that you must meet certain standards for your grades or 

activities) grants for low-income undergraduate students. These grants are 

given out directly by the college you will be attending and range in 

amounts from $100–$4000 a year. 

• Work-study, part-time work available to full- and part-time students, 

sometimes at the college or university. Work-study jobs pay at least the 

federal minimum wage, with the number of part-time hours set in your 

financial aid package. 

Important Changes Coming

Students with drug convictions while receiving 

federal student aid can once again apply for Pell 

Grants. The FAFSA® form is in the process of 

being simplified. This section has been updated 

with current information about the financial aid 

process as of August 2021. Students who are 

incarcerated can qualify for Pell Grants again in 

July 2023. Any further changes will be included in 

updated versions of the guide. 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

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56

The amount of federal student aid you can 

get depends on whether you are considered 

“dependent,” meaning that your parents 

support you financially, or “independent,” 

meaning that you support yourself. The 

FAFSA will ask several questions to 

determine whether you are dependent or 

independent. If you are dependent, you 

must provide the information listed in the 

box on this page for your parents as well. 

You can find out whether you are 

considered dependent or independent by 

going to https://studentaid.gov/apply-foraid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency and 

answering the questions. You also can call 

1-800-433-3243 for help or discuss this with 

someone at your college’s financial 

aid office. 

KEEP IN MIND...

You’ll need to gather a lot of personal information for the FAFSA®. 

Depending on your circumstances (for instance, what tax form you filed 

or when you filed taxes), you might need the information or documents

listed below. 

• Your Social Security number (be sure you enter it correctly on the 

FAFSA)

• Your parents’ Social Security numbers if you are a dependent 

student

• Your driver’s license number if you have one

• Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a U.S. citizen

• Federal tax information from two years before you fill out the 

FAFSA. You may be eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, 

which would automatically enter the required information from 

your federal tax return. You can check eligibility for this tool at 

https://studentaid.gov/help/irs-drt-eligibility. If you’re not 

eligible, you will need to get tax returns, including IRS W-2 form 

information for you (and your spouse, if you are married) and for 

your parents if you are a dependent student: 

• IRS Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040 EZ

• Foreign tax return

• Tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. 

Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of 

Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau 

• Records of your untaxed income, such as child support received, 

interest income, and veterans’ noneducation benefits, for you 

and for your parents if you are a dependent student

• Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; 

investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate, but not 

the home where you live; and business and farm assets for you 

and for your parents if you are a dependent student

• If you do not file taxes, you may need to request a tax transcript 

from the IRS (form 2506_T) and/or complete a verification of 

non-filing form 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

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57

STEP 3 

Get and Complete the FAFSA® 

You can fill out the FAFSA, in English or Spanish, online or on paper. To fill 

out the FAFSA online, go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For 

a paper copy, call the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-433-3243 or 

find a printable form at https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fillingout. Click on the FAFSA form for the year you are applying under “FAFSA 

Filing Options.” If you need help with FAFSA in another language, 

information about language assistance services is available from 1-800-USALEARN (1-800-872-5327) (TTY for the deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-730-

8913) or ed.language.assistance@ed.gov. 

Submit the FAFSA®

On the internet. If possible, it’s best to fill out and submit the FAFSA 

online. Your FAFSA will be processed more quickly, and you are much less 

likely to make mistakes, because the FAFSA website will not let you 

continue if it identifies a mistake. 

Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Click on “Start Here,” 

and follow the instructions. Before you fill out the application, you will be 

required to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID (username and 

password), which you’ll use to sign your FAFSA electronically before you 

submit it. To create an FSA ID, you need to provide your Social Security 

number, full name, and date of birth, and either your phone number or 

email address. 

By mail. You also can submit a paper FAFSA by mail. Request a printout of 

the FAFSA form by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 334-523-

2691. When you have filled out the form, sign the form to show that your 

information is accurate to the best of your knowledge. If you are considered 

a dependent student, one parent also must sign this form. Make and keep a 

copy of all the forms you are submitting and send the original application by 

first-class mail to the address on the FAFSA.

KEEP IN MIND...

Your FSA ID is important, so keep it in a 

safe place. You can use your FSA ID to 

correct your FAFSA® information online, 

file a renewal FAFSA next year, and gain 

access to other U.S. Department of 

Education websites. For more 

information about the FSA ID, go to 

https://studentaid.gov/resources. Find 

“Fact Sheets,” about halfway down the 

page, and read “Creating and Using the 

FSA ID.” 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

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58

Deadlines for Submitting the FAFSA®

You can submit your FAFSA any time between Oct. 1 and June 30 

before the academic year when you’ll be enrolling in college. An 

academic year runs from July 1 of one year to June 30 of the 

next. For example, if you are planning to enroll in college for the 

2022–23 school year, submit your FAFSA between Oct. 1, 2022, 

and June 30, 2023. Remember that you need to file a FAFSA each 

year you want to apply for federal student aid. Some financial aid 

funds are “first come, first served,” so you should submit your 

FAFSA as early as possible. 

Deadlines for filing the FAFSA can vary across colleges and states, 

so you may need to submit the form much earlier than the 

federal deadline above. States often use the FAFSA to determine 

college and state financial aid, and state deadlines are listed on 

the FAFSA. To find out your college’s FAFSA deadline, check the 

college website or call the school’s financial aid office. 

KEEP IN MIND...

Check your FAFSA® carefully before submitting it 

to be sure the information is accurate. There are 

serious consequences, including substantial fines 

and/or a prison sentence, for intentionally 

providing inaccurate information on the FAFSA. If 

your financial situation changes after you have 

submitted the FAFSA, because of unemployment, 

injury, marriage or divorce, or a natural disaster, 

contact your college’s financial aid administrator. 

They may be able to increase the amount of 

financial aid you get. If your financial situation 

improves because of a scholarship or other 

financial resource, your loan amount may be 

lowered to reduce the amount you owe after 

graduation. If you transfer to a new college in the 

middle of the school year, have your FAFSA 

information sent to the new school and tell 

financial aid administrators at both schools that 

you are transferring. You do not have to resubmit 

the FAFSA. 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

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59

STEP 4 

Review Your Student Aid Report

Within three to 10 days after you file your FAFSA online (or two to three 

weeks if you file by mail), you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) by 

email or regular mail. The SAR lists the information you provided on your 

FAFSA and gives instructions if additional information is needed. Review 

the SAR to be sure that all your information is accurate. If you submitted by 

email and need to make corrections to the SAR, you can make them online 

at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa by logging in at “Returning 

User?” If you received your SAR by regular mail, make any needed changes 

on the form and mail it to the address on the form. 

A version of the SAR, called the Institutional Student Information Record 

(ISIR), will be sent electronically to all the colleges listed on your FAFSA. 

The colleges will use the ISIR to determine how much financial aid you 

get; this total amount is usually called your “financial aid package.” 

Colleges listed on your FAFSA may contact you to verify information on 

your FAFSA, such as your income. If you were incarcerated, you can use 

your prison release papers to show why your income was low during 

previous years. 

If you haven’t received your SAR within 10 days (for an online FAFSA) or 

three weeks (for a mailed FAFSA), you can check on your application by going 

to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa or calling 1-800-433-3243 

(TTY for the deaf or hard of hearing 1-800-730-8913). 

STEP 5 

Seek Other Financial Aid 

States, colleges, and other organizations also offer student financial aid. This 

aid usually can be combined with federal student aid, so take the time to see 

if you can qualify. Be careful to check their deadline dates, however, since 

many of these applications are due earlier than the FAFSA. Again, beware of 

offers that sound too good to be true or that ask you to pay a fee to apply. 

State Financial Aid 

States often provide financial assistance to students living in the state and 

need help to pay for college. Because state financial aid is so varied and 

requirements can change, this guide cannot cover the application process for 

every state. To find out more about state financial aid in your state, visit the 

KEEP IN MIND...

If you submit the FAFSA® by mail 

while incarcerated and use your 

facility’s mailing address, be sure 

to include your prison ID number 

on the address line to make sure 

you receive the SAR. 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

60

National Association of State Financial Aid Administrators webpage: 

https://www.nasfaa.org/State_Financial_Aid_Programs, and click on your 

state. You also can find more information about restrictions on state 

financial aid in A Piece of the Puzzle: State Financial Aid for Incarcerated 

Students, a report by the Vera Institute of Justice. You can get it at 

https://www.vera.org/publications/a-piece-of-the-puzzle-state-financial-aidfor-incarcerated-students; click on “Full Report.” See, for example, the chart 

on page 9 of the report, which compares barriers to state financial aid across 

states. 

Financial Aid From Colleges and Universities 

Many colleges and universities offer their own financial aid in the form of 

scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, including athletic 

scholarships. Eligibility requirements for this type of financial aid vary by 

school. Some aid is based on need, and some is not. For more information 

on financial aid offered by the schools to which you are applying, contact 

each school’s financial aid office. 

If you are applying to private colleges, ask the schools whether you 

should complete the College Board CSS/Financial Aid Profile application. 

Many private colleges use this form to determine eligibility for private 

financial aid. You can get this form by creating a free account at 

https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org. 

Scholarships 

Private organizations and agencies also offer scholarships, usually to 

students meeting certain qualifications or having certain characteristics. For 

example, the United Negro College Fund provides scholarships to qualified 

African American students, and qualified Hispanic students may receive 

scholarships from the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. The financial aid office at 

your college can help you search for these types of scholarships. Unlike some 

other forms of financial aid, scholarships do not need to be repaid. 

Other sources of information on scholarships include 

• catalogs, such as Scholarships, Fellowships, and Loans (37th edition 

published in 2020), which can be found at your public library. 

• the following websites, which offer information on many types of 

scholarships: 

– College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org 

– Fastweb: https://www.fastweb.com 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

61

– FinAid: https://www.finaid.org

– Sallie Mae Scholarship Service: https://www.salliemae.com/collegeplanning/tools/scholarship-search/ 

– Peterson’s “15 Scholarships Designed for Adult Learners” blog:

https://www.petersons.com/blog/15-scholarships-designed-for-adultlearners/ 

– Prison Education Foundation: http://www.prisonedu.org/scholarshipqualifications/

– Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship Fund: 

https://www.shawncartersf.com/scholarship-fund/

– Scholarships.com: https://www.scholarships.com 

– Unigo: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships 

• websites offering information on scholarships for specific populations or 

purposes:

– ASPIRA https://aspira.org/resources/how-to-enroll-in-post-secondaryeducation-scholarships-resources-and-collegeinformation/scholarships/

– Bureau of Indian Education: https://www.bie.edu/topic-page/grants

– National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development: 

https://www.nationalcapacd.org/ 

– The Jackie Robinson Foundation: https://www.jackierobinson.org 

– League of United Latin American Citizens: 

https://lulac.org/programs/education/scholarships/ 

– United Negro College Fund: https://uncf.org/ 

– U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/ 

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

In some circumstances, your federal loans might be forgiven, meaning that 

they are cancelled, or you don’t need to repay them in full. These 

circumstances include working for a government or nonprofit organization 

and may depend on your income level. Information about student loan 

forgiveness can be found at https://studentaid.gov/manageloans/forgiveness-cancellation. 

You also might qualify for an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, which 

offers lower monthly repayment plans depending on your income. For 
Chapter 6. Get Money to Pay for College

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 

62

information on IDR plans, including how to apply for them, see page 38 of 

Lessons from Second Chance Pell: A Toolkit for Helping Incarcerated Students 

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid from the Vera Institute 

of Justice. You can get the toolkit online at 

https://www.vera.org/downloads/publications/lessons-from-second-chancepell-toolkit.pdf. 

Free Resources 

The following free resources give more details about applying for federal 

student aid and offer tools to help you through the process: 

• Get comprehensive information on student aid from the U.S. Department 

of Education in Do You Need Money for College or Career School? Apply 

for Federal Student Aid. You can get this guide at 

https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/do-you-need-money.pdf. 

• Get help filling out the FAFSA on the FAFSA website 

(https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa), which includes help 

screens and live chats, or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID. You also can get 

help at https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help. 

• Understand how to apply for financial aid while incarcerated by seeing 

the Lessons from Second Chance Pell toolkit from the Vera Institute for 

Justice. The toolkit, along with videos showing how to complete the 

FAFSA, can be found at https://www.vera.org/publications/lessons-fromsecond-chance-pell. 

• Find general information on paying for college and a pre-application 

worksheet for the FAFSA at the U.S. Department of Education at 

https://studentaid.gov/ or by calling 1-800-433-3243. Find the worksheet 

online at https://studentaid.gov/resources by scrolling down to “Forms 

and Worksheets.” 
 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 63

GLOSSARY 

Academic program: A degree program in a college or university that 

prepares you to succeed in many types of jobs or careers.

Courses in this type of program offer broad knowledge and skills. 

Accreditation: Schools and colleges receive accreditation when they 

meet certain requirements (see https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home/) 

and have been reviewed by an accrediting organization recognized 

by the U.S. Department of Education. 

American Job Centers: Almost every community has an 

American Job Center, sometimes also called OneStop Centers, 

Job Service Centers, or Employment Services (see 

https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/

find-american-job-centers.aspx). These centers have many 

resources, all in one place, for people seeking work, adult 

education services, or further education and training. These 

include job search assistance, skills training, occupational 

licensing, and referrals to support services, among others. Most 

services are free, but there may be a fee for some specialized 

services. 

Associate degree: A degree earned by successfully completing a twoyear college or university program. Common associate degrees 

are Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), and 

Associate in Nursing (A.N.).

Bachelor’s degree: A degree earned by successfully completing a 

four-year college or university program. Common bachelor’s

degrees are Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). 

Career and technical education (CTE): A series of technical courses 

that prepare you for specific jobs and careers. They combine 

classroom learning with practical, hands-on training. These 

courses are offered in middle schools, high schools, community 

and technical colleges, and other colleges. 

Career pathway: A series of connected education and training 

programs and services that prepare you for employment and 

career advancement within a specific industry. 
 

Glossary

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 64

Credit hours: The number of weekly class hours for a course. For 

example, a three-credit-hour course requires you to participate 

in three hours of class time each week. 

Default: Failing to meet an obligation, such as repaying a student 

loan. 

Distance learning: Educational or instructional programming offered 

via technology, usually by computer and the internet, to 

students in different locations. 

Federal Perkins Loan Program: A low-interest loan provided by 

schools and available to undergraduate and graduate students

(see https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/perkins). 

Perkins loans must be repaid to the school. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):

Federal grants to help low-income undergraduates pay for the 

costs of their education (see https://studentaid.gov/understandaid/types/grants/fseog). 

Four-year college: A public or private institution that offers 

bachelor’s degrees. 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): An application 

that must be completed to receive federal student aid (see 

https://studentaid.gov/). States and colleges also use the FAFSA® 

to award financial aid. 

Grants: Money available for college from public and private sources 

that does not need to be repaid. 

HSE: A high school equivalence test or credential. An HSE test allows 

adults who did not finish high school to show that they have 

gained the knowledge and skills needed for a traditional high 

school diploma. 

Letter of reference: A letter describing your qualifications and 

behavior as an employee or student and recommending your 

acceptance to a school, college, university, or job. 
 

Glossary

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 65

Pell Grants: The largest federal grant program in the United States, 

which provides money for college that does not have to be repaid 

(see https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell). 

Eligibility and award amounts are set by the college based on 

federal guidelines. Individuals on parole or probation can qualify 

for these grants. With few exceptions, Pell Grants are available 

only to undergraduate students.

Postsecondary education: Education beyond a high school 

credential, including vocational certificates and degrees, 

academic degrees, and advanced or graduate degrees. 

References: See “letter of reference.” 

Scholarships: Awards given to students based on academic 

performance (merit-based) or financial need. These awards are 

provided by public and private organizations and do not have 

to be repaid. 

Selective Service registration: Males between the ages of 18 and 25 

living in the United States are required to register for Selective 

Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/). The federal 

government uses Selective Service registration to draft people 

for service in the military, when needed. Males who have not 

registered for Selective Services may be prevented from getting 

some federal and state services, including federal student 

financial aid. 

Stafford loans: Low-interest loans available to undergraduate and 

graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university 

at least part-time (see https://studentaid.gov/understandaid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized). Stafford loans are the 

most common form of financial aid and must be repaid. 

Student loans: Money that students can borrow for college. Loans 

are legal obligations that must be repaid with interest. Loan 

programs available depend on the college. 

TRIO: A federal program that provides support for first-generation 

college students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds (see 

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html). 

Types of support include academic tutoring, assistance with 

choosing courses, information on financial aid, and career 

counseling.
 

Glossary

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need 66

Tuition: A fee charged for instruction by a school, college, or 

university. 

Two-year college: A public or private college or university that offers 

associate degrees. 

Undergraduate student: A student working toward an associate or

bachelor’s degree at a college or university. 

University: An institution of higher education that has multiple 

colleges and that grants bachelor’s, master, and doctoral 

degrees. 

Work-study: A federal student aid program that gives part-time or 

full-time students the opportunity to work up to 20 hours per 

week while enrolled in college. 
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need

A-1 

APPENDIX A 

LEARNER PROFILES 
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need A-2 

What types of educational programming did you participate in while 

incarcerated? 

My experience in federal prison was quite unique. I got both the education 

and the opportunity to serve my incarcerated community as a mentor, 

coach, facilitator, and trainer. All of my education and training was funded 

exclusively by non-governmental sources. I received a mixture of 

scholarships, grants, and personal donations. Thanks to the extreme 

generosity of the University of Pittsburgh, the Institute for Life Coach 

Training, the State University of New York at Fredonia, and numerous 

private contributors, including my family, I was able to begin living my full 

potential despite the fact I was still serving a sentence of 213 years. 

The director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Prison Education Project 

offered me and 14 of my incarcerated peers the opportunity to participate 

in the first-ever “Inside Out Project” for federal inmates. The experience 

forever altered the trajectory of my life. At the end of the course, the 

director offered me and two of my classmates the opportunity to co-lead 

another course with him, which we then offered to a larger segment of the 

general population. It was through that experience that I discovered my 

passion for teaching and facilitating. 

How did those programs help you after release?

On Aug. 12, 2020, I was granted “compassionate relief” from my 213-year 

mandatory minimum prison term because of my “extraordinary and 

compelling” achievements. Since my release, I have had the opportunity to 

use the knowledge and skills I attained in prison while working as a trainer 

and facilitator for HOPE for Prisoners. I have seen my mentor’s success, and 

this has inspired me to continue learning and evolving toward my best self 

while I transition into the next stage of my life. 

 

Adam 

Age at reentry: 44 

Facility name and state: FCI McKean 

in Bradford, Pennsylvania

Credentials earned while 

incarcerated: 

• Certified life coach through the 

Institute for Life Coach Training

• Offender workforce development 

specialist through the National 

Institute of Corrections and State 

University of New York at 

Fredonia

• Certified personal trainer through 

the National Council for Certified 

Personal Trainers

• Wellness coach 

• Certified indoor cycling instructor 

Current profession/job: 

Owner/Director of Apex Alternative 

Solutions, LLC (a training and 

consulting company)
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need A-3 

What types of educational programming did you participate in while 

incarcerated? 

When I was incarcerated at age 19, I had completed two years of college at 

California State University at Long Beach. But then I was given a life sentence 

and lost hope and motivation. At some point during my incarceration, I 

realized that I wanted to be with my family again and knew that I had to 

make changes in my personal life for that to happen. After transferring to a 

new facility, I met some inmates who were taking classes through Coastline 

Community College (CCC). The program’s director, a fellow Long Beach State 

alum, helped me to enroll in CCC by sending out for my college transcript.

Essentially, I started college over then. I took an astronomy class, which 

fascinated me, and an introduction to college course, and did well in both. 

Attending class gave me something to do with my time and made me feel 

empowered over my future. After additional facility transfers, I enrolled in as 

many education programs as I could. I attained two associate degrees and a 

certificate of business administration. I was the first inmate at my facility to 

achieve two associate degrees! Not only was education important to me 

personally, but it also helped me demonstrate to the parole board that I was 

improving myself. In 2013, at my fourth parole hearing, I was finally granted 

parole and released. 

What was the first step you took once you decided to continue your 

education after release?

I knew that I wanted to go back to Long Beach State to finish the chapter 

that I had left open, but a lot had changed there while I had been away. I 

didn’t know where to start. My brothers graduated from the university and 

introduced me to the director of the criminal justice program. She 

encouraged me to complete the courses at a community college that I would 

need to transfer into the university. So, I enrolled in the local community 

college and completed the required coursework, with a GPA of 3.6. I then 

applied to Long Beach State as a transfer student and was accepted. In 2018, 

I completed my bachelor’s degree in sociology and am now focused on 

getting into law school. I want to help people like me who are incarcerated 

by providing them with meaningful legal representation. I was recently 

selected for a fellowship that will help me prepare and pay for the LSAT. 

Did you have an education and career plan prior to release? 

Because of my life sentence, I was required to have an education/career 

plan that I would get drilled on at parole board hearings. But it’s really hard 

to create a plan from within the prison system without really knowing the 

barriers that you will face outside. So much of my plan had to change when 

I was released, from selecting a new career path to learning how to write a 

resume and prepare for job interviews. 

 

Adrian 

Age at reentry: 39

Facility name and state: Donavan 

State Prison, California 

Credentials earned while 

incarcerated: Associate of Arts in 

general education (with honors); 

Associate of Arts in social and 

behavioral science (with honors); 

certificate in business 

Credentials earned after release: 

Bachelor of Arts in sociology: 

concentration in deviance and social 

control 

Current profession/job: Program 

associate for a community foundation
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need A-4 

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about pursuing an education, either while 

incarcerated or after release?

You do belong in institutions of higher education. Be inspired, be motivated, 

find yourself something useful to do. It’s never too late to go back to school. 

The feeling of being on a college campus is indescribable; it’s better than 

going to Disneyland! There will be endless nights and stress, but is that stress 

so bad compared to being in a cell? Embrace it and enjoy it. That stress is a 

blessing in its own. 
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need A-5 

What types of educational programming did you participate in while 

incarcerated? How did those programs help you after release? 

I earned a GED and a certification in construction carpentry. I then enrolled 

in Lee College, a community college, and earned 128 college hours, with 

credentials in horticulture and landscaping; heating, air conditioning and 

refrigeration (HVAC), and an Associate of Arts in humanities. Just having 

the credentials on a resume helped to get my foot in the door for most 

entry-level jobs. I ultimately chose to work for a nonprofit that served the 

community with a thrift store, food pantry, and domestic abuse shelter. I 

have been employed in the nonprofit sector since release: first with 

community-based charities, then a charity for special needs adults, and 

now for two different accredited college-in-prison programs, including the 

one that I graduated from while incarcerated.

What resources or support were most helpful in pursuing your education 

after release? 

I had a stable place to live, reliable transportation, and a steady job that 

enabled me to enroll in school. But there were no university, parole, 

charitable resources, or supports for my education. I was unaware of any 

help specifically for students in my situation. I applied for and received 

student loans like most college students, held a full-time job, managed 

parole requirements, and eventually started a family while pursuing my 

education. No part of my educational journey was easy.

How would you describe the benefits of continuing your education? 

The alignment of my education with career choices always enabled me to 

remain employed. In the 16 years since release from prison, I have never 

been more than two weeks without a job, even though I have several 

violent felonies on my adult record. This is because my professional and 

educational network has been very supportive. In addition, the kind of 

education I pursued in psychology, theology, and philosophy helped me 

better understand the world, my environment, and my place in all of it.

 

Brandon 

Age at reentry: 24

Facility name and state: Hutchins 

State Jail, Hightower Unit, Texas

Credentials earned while 

incarcerated: Associate of Arts in 

humanities; certification in 

horticulture/landscaping; certification 

in heating, air conditioning, and 

refrigeration.

Credentials earned after release: 

Bachelor of Science in Biblical 

counseling; Master of Divinity, 

philosophy of religion; doctor of 

education in ethical leadership (May 

2021); Master of Arts, philosophy 

(December 2021)

Current profession/job: Transition 

(reentry) specialist, adjunct professor 

of philosophy
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need A-6 

What was the first step you took once you decided to continue your 

education? 

It took more than 20 years for me to realize my potential and ability to 

overcome all odds, which included a 20-year addiction, living a criminal 

lifestyle, severe trauma, and a lack of education. After moving to 

Tallahassee at age 34 and getting a job in the governor’s office, I began a 

journey of recovery that included returning to my education. I enrolled in 

GED classes at Tallahassee Community College (TCC), where I had an 

instructor who encouraged me and saw my potential. After passing the 

GED test, I just kept going. Education opens up so many doors. I earned my 

associate degree and was chosen as the TCC “student of the year” and the 

commencement speaker. I then went on to earn my bachelor’s degree, and 

I became a certified addiction professional. At age 53, I earned my master’s

degree in criminal justice, and now I am an instructor at the same place 

(TCC) where I first started my journey.

What resources or support were most helpful in pursuing your education

after release?

Aftercare is key and has to go hand in hand with academics. Aftercare must 

be considered holistically; what works for one person won’t necessarily 

work for everyone. People need to feel safe to start sharing parts of their 

journey and begin to heal. For me, my faith started me on my healing 

journey, and I found help through a faith-based organization. But whether 

it is residential treatment, substance abuse counseling, or another type of 

support, it is important that people choose a safe place because they are 

going to need to revisit their pain in order to heal. 

Once I started sharing my journey, I got connected to so many resources 

that supported my education. I joined the Returning Adult Citizens 

Organization on campus and learned how to access grants and scholarships 

to pay for my classes. I also learned about a book loan program and 

received a computer, after the organization found out that I was going into 

my workplace on the weekends to complete and print my assignments. I 

would never have received this support if I hadn’t been open about my 

challenges. I took advantage of any resources that I could at TCC and in the 

community. I applied for and received a community scholarship that I 

learned about by reading the newspaper. When I was earning my master’s 

degree, I used resources available from my employer, including receiving 

college credits for supervising FSU interns. 

How would you describe the benefits of continuing your education? 

The restoration of my family was the most important benefit. My children 

were taken away from me because of my interaction with the criminal 

justice system, my addiction, and homelessness. Once I was sober and 

enrolled in GED classes, I was able to see my children again. I even 

remarried my husband after 17 years. 

 

Freda 

Age at reentry: n/a

Facility name and state: n/a

Credentials earned during 

incarceration: n/a (note that Freda’s 

education experience described 

below began after incarceration)

Credentials earned after release: 

Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, 

Master of Science, and certified 

addiction professional

Current profession/job: project 

director, Jail Re-Entry Network for the 

DISC Village, Inc., and adjunct 

professor, Tallahassee Community 

College
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need A-7 

Another benefit was the economic stability that I gained as I continued my 

education. As I earned degrees, I was able to make more money and as I 

made more money, I was able to rebuild my credit. This allowed me to buy a 

home as part of Florida’s first-time home-buyers program. Buying a home 

was an incredible milestone — after experiencing homelessness, I would 

now always have a stable place to live. Pursuing my education also helped 

with my career growth, as each step in my academic journey led to salary 

raises and promotions. This allowed me finally to be independent.
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need A-8 

What types of educational programming did you participate in while 

incarcerated? How did those programs help you after release? 

I obtained my GED and associate degree while incarcerated. No college 

programs were offered in the prison at the time, so I registered for an 

online associate program as if I wasn’t incarcerated. I got my girlfriend to 

help by calling her collect on the prison phone and giving her my log-in to 

the college’s system. She would submit the answers that I would give to 

her over the phone. I submitted other required writing assignments and 

papers through the mail. When it came time for midterms and finals, I got 

help from the GED teacher, who would put me in a room by myself and 

proctor my exams. As a result, I was able to obtain my associate degree in 

2.5 years behind the walls and go straight into a bachelor’s degree program 

upon release. 

What challenges did you experience in pursuing your education and how 

did you address those challenges? 

Challenges that I faced were having to provide for myself and my family. I 

had gotten married pretty quickly upon release and ended up having a 

baby girl, all while in school full time and working full-time and part-time 

jobs. I was able to finish my bachelor’s degree in a year-and-a-half after 

release, but I had very little time outside of work and school to be present 

in other ways for my family and for myself. The things that I had depended 

on to get me through my time in prison with my sanity intact, such as 

prayer, meditation, exercise, and diet, ended up taking a back seat and, for 

a while, I had no balance or life outside of work and school. 

What resources or support were most helpful in pursuing your education 

after release? 

I met up with a childhood friend who was now the head of a financial aid 

department for a community college. He was someone I went to middle 

school with, played basketball with, and who previously was incarcerated. 

He came from the same type of background and humble beginnings that I 

did. Now here he was, in a suit and a tie, and in a position that obviously 

paid him well and allowed him to provide legitimately for himself and a 

family. I was amazed with how he could turn his circumstances around and 

be in that position. He mentored me, helped me to get the financing I 

needed to go back to school, and supported me along the way. 

 

James 

Age at reentry: 40

Facility name and state: Baltimore 

Maryland Penitentiary

Credentials earned while 

incarcerated: GED and associate 

degree in psychology with honors 

Credentials earned after release: 

Bachelor’s degree with honors

Current profession/job: Founder/CEO 

of the Reentry Campus Program
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need A-9 

What types of educational programming did you participate in while 

incarcerated? How did those programs help you after release? 

After serving several state prison sentences, I was sentenced to federal 

prison in 2005. I knew that, in order to improve how I was going to live the 

rest of my life, education was a critical part of my journey. I read every 

book that I could get my hands on and aggressively studied human 

behavior, psychology, and business management. My extensive learning 

prepared me for when I came home and established HOPE for Prisoners, a 

501c3 nonprofit in Nevada that provides comprehensive reentry services to 

other men and women who are returning home. 

What made you decide to continue your education after release?

Once I returned home and was in the beginning stages of building and 

growing my business, I continued to seek out educational opportunities. I 

attribute my success to my pursuit of education and gaining knowledge. I 

enrolled in nonprofit management courses through the University of 

Nevada, Las Vegas, graduated from Leadership Las Vegas, and received an 

honorary degree from the College of Southern Nevada. I am honored to 

have received both state and presidential pardons for my convictions, and I 

believe that I would not be where I am today if I had not made the choice 

many years ago to spend my time focused on education and learning. 

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about pursuing an 

education, either while incarcerated or after release? 

Pursuing education both during and after incarceration is critical to 

continuing success and opens many doors for those with criminal 

backgrounds. One such door for me is the pleasure that I have of serving as 

a commissioner with the Nevada State Sentencing Commission. If I could 

turn back time, I would have strongly pursued furthering my higher 

education long before I did and encourage others to take advantage of the 

resources that are available to them. 

 

Jon 

Age at reentry: 44

Facility name and state: USP 

Allenwood, Pennsylvania and FCI 

Sheridan, Oregon 

Current profession/job: Founder and 

CEO, HOPE for Prisoners, Inc.
Appendix A 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need A-10

What types of educational programming did you participate in while 

incarcerated? How did those programs help you after release? 

I had a high school diploma and a year of college prior to incarceration. The 

certifications that I earned while incarcerated were the ones available at 

the federal prison system. The business management certification allowed 

me to transfer 30 hours toward my prerequisites at the University of New 

Orleans (UNO) to complete my degree at LSUHSCNO. Having these credits 

allowed me to finish my bachelor’s degree after I was released in 3.5 years 

rather than 4 years. UNO accepted my transfer credits by reviewing the 

course syllabi. 

What made you decide to continue your education after release? 

I always felt like education was super important to a successful reentry. 

When I was pregnant and had my son, I knew what the statistics were for 

the children of someone who had gone to prison. I wanted to make sure 

my son wasn’t a statistic. I also wanted a career — not a job — but 

something stable that would provide for my family. Education was the key 

to getting that stability. 

What challenges did you experience in pursuing your education and how 

did you address those challenges? 

My past still would come up. To get licensed in Louisiana, I had to go 

through a disciplinary board. Even though I didn’t have a drug violation, I 

still had to pay for regular drug testing because that was the only thing the 

board had set up. I also had to pay probation fees. Before paying rent, I had 

to pay fees for parole/supervision, restitution, an annual licensure, and 

drug testing. That was extremely difficult, because I wasn’t working at the 

time and ended up having to take out a loan. Fortunately, I received 

scholarships and grants to pay for some of my education. 

What resources or support were most helpful in pursuing your education 

after release? 

I was released 3.5 years after Hurricane Katrina with no documentation. 

There were two women incarcerated with me who showed up for me after 

release. One friend helped me get documentation and complete the 

FAFSA® application for financial aid. Another friend helped me find a place 

to live and bought me a phone. It was the other formerly incarcerated 

women who helped me transition. We were always in contact. One came 

with my mom to pick me up when I was released. From the first day I was 

released, they held my hand. 

 

Syrita 

Age at reentry: 29

Facility name and state: Federal 

Correctional Institute at Tallahassee, 

Florida 

Credentials earned when

incarcerated: 

• Business management 

certification 

• Landscape/horticulture 

certification 

• Apprenticeship in food 

services/cooking

Credentials earned after release: 

Bachelor’s degree in clinical 

laboratory science from Louisiana 

State University Health and Science 

Center New Orleans (LSUHSCNO); 

certification as clinical laboratory 

scientist (both national certification 

and state licensure)

Current profession/job: Founder and 

Executive Director, Operation 

Restoration 
Appendix B 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need

B-1 

APPENDIX B 

SAMPLE RESUME AND COVER LETTER 

Kenyatta Serrano

532 North Main Street 

Liberty, NY 12754

Telephone: (845) 555-1111 E-mail: Kenyatta.Serrano133@gmail.com

Summary

Results-based Facilitator and Leader in human services. Highly experienced in leading support groups, 

collaborating with staff and volunteers, and organizing support services for clients.

Work Experience

2017 – 2020 Substance Abuse Program Facilitator

NYS Office of Alcohol and Substances Abuse, Naponach, NY

Facilitated daily group sessions. Held clients accountable for program requirements.

Oversaw weekly meetings of group leaders.

2000 – 2017 Inventory Clerk/Textile Issue

Corcraft Industries, Plattsburgh, NY

Received and counted stock items and recorded data. Stored items in an orderly and 

accessible manner. Issued textile material to workers. 

Volunteer Experience

2004 – 2007 HIV / AIDS Peer Educator

AIDS Council of Northeastern New York, Plattsburgh, NY

Gave presentations on the perils of the disease, with an emphasis on prevention and risk 

reduction

2002 – 2003 Tutor

Literacy of Douglas County, Westchester, NY

Tutored adults in basic reading, writing, and mathematics.

Education

2015 – 2018 Clinton Community College (SUNY), Plattsburgh, NY

Associate in Science degree, Social Sciences / Humanities

2013 Clinton Adult School, Plattsburg, NY – NY State High School Equivalency Diploma

Certifications

2004 AIDS Council of Northeastern New York, Albany, NY

HIV/AIDS Peer Education, 120 Hours

2002 ProLiteracy Tutor Training, Syracuse, NY

Basic Reading/Math/Writing workshops and quarterly trainings

Additional Skills 

Computer Skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel

Fluent in Spanish and Swahili
Appendix B 

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need B-2 

Kenyatta Serrano

532 North Main Street

Liberty, NY 12754

Telephone: (845)555-1111 Email: Kenyatta.Serrano133@gmail.com

Empire State Family Services

3520 Mermaid Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11224

Re: Case Manager Position #11236

Dear Hiring Manager: 

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the position of case manager with Empire State Family 

Services. I learned about this opportunity from the job posting on Indeed.com. My experience as a 

substance abuse program facilitator has given me the knowledge and skills to provide 

compassionate group and individual support, and I would welcome the opportunity to serve your 

clients. 

For more than four years, I have worked as a substance abuse program facilitator. Leading group 

sessions has given me firsthand experience in supporting and advising clients who are struggling 

with addiction and related challenges. Managing weekly meetings with group session leaders has 

given me a broader perspective on the challenges our clients face, and the techniques other 

coaches have used to help their clients. As the person who held clients accountable for program 

requirements, I learned the value of tough love as well as compassion and empathy. My personal, 

professional, and academic experiences have prepared me to serve others. Serving as a volunteer 

peer educator with the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York helped me to appreciate the 

difference that a caring mentor can make in a person’s life.

In the interest of transparency, I want to disclose that I served a 17-year sentence in the New York 

State Penitentiary from February 2000 to October 2017. While I deeply regret the choices that led 

me there, I am grateful for the opportunities available to me in prison to recommit to my education 

and career goals and find ways to contribute positively to my community. While there, I completed 

an HIV/AIDS Peer Education Program, which helped me realize how much I enjoy working with 

clients. In 2015, I also began an associate degree program in social sciences and humanities at 

Clinton Community College that I continued upon my release and completed in May 2018.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how my skills and professional and personal experience can 

help to make a positive difference in the lives of your clients. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, 

Kenyatta Serrano
 

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fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

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