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# U.S. Department of Education to Launch Application Process to Expand Federal Pell Grant Access for Individuals Who Are Confined or Incarcerated

# U.S. Department of Education to Launch Application Process to Expand Federal Pell Grant Access for Individuals Who Are Confined or Incarcerated

June 30, 2023

**Contact:  **press@ed.gov

                                    -        
The U.S. Department of Education  (Department) tomorrow will launch a new process through which institutions of  higher education can apply to offer postsecondary programs to confined or  incarcerated individuals. For the first time in nearly 30 years, as a result of  statutory changes enacted through the FAFSA Simplification Act, individuals  enrolled in approved prison education programs (PEPs) will be eligible for  Federal Pell Grants outside a limited pilot program known as the Second Chance  Pell Experiment. The Department will begin accepting applications on July 3,  2023, and will approve applications on a rolling basis.

  While the Second Chance Pell  Experiment was a limited program, it has expanded opportunity for incarcerated  individuals. According to the Vera  Institute, more than 40,000 students received Pell Grants under the  experiment through the 2021-22 award year. Based on current participation rates  in Second Chance Pell Experiment, the Department estimates that full  reinstatement of Pell could allow an estimated 760,000 additional individuals  to become eligible for a Pell Grant through prison education programs once  institutions have fully developed their prison programs. 

  “I call on colleges and postsecondary  programs across our country to meet this moment and step up to serve people  who’ve been impacted by the criminal justice system, who for the first time in  three decades will be eligible for Pell Grants to help pay for education,” said  U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Prison education programs reduce  recidivism rates and create meaningful opportunities for redemption and  rehabilitation that improve lives, strengthen communities, and reflect  America’s ideal as a nation of second chances and limitless possibilities. This  historic moment marks the start of a nationwide effort that could help over  760,000 individuals who are currently incarcerated pursue degrees, credentials,  and skills that set them up for success and lead to brighter futures.”

**Improvements to Prison Education Programs**

  Last fall, the Department finalized  regulatory requirements for PEPs that build on the efforts of institutions and  correctional facilities that have been working together to increase the number  of individuals who are confined or incarcerated with access to a quality  postsecondary education. Starting July 1, 2023, eligible institutions (i.e.,  public and private non-profit institutions) must adhere to the standards for  implementing effective PEPs established under the Department’s final  regulations, which:
- Establish the definition of a       PEP as defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA),
- Outline application       requirements for approval of PEPs, and
- Clarify the requirements and       obligations of institutions, accrediting agencies, and oversight entities.

**Prison Education Program Application Process**

  Starting July 3, 2023,  institutions can apply to offer a PEP through the Federal Student Aid E-App. To  be considered, institutions must include their completed PEP Application Form  in the E-App submission. Instructions and other information—including specific  certifications and signatures that institutions provide for the Department to  evaluate a PEP—are posted in an Electronic  Announcement on the Federal Student Aid Partner Connect Portal.  Institutions can access the PEP Application Form on the Prison Education  Program topics  page on the Knowledge Center.

  Nearly 200 postsecondary institutions  currently participate in the Second Chance Pell Experiment. Under this  experiment, institutions provide Federal Pell Grant funding to thousands of  students who are confined or incarcerated and previously could not access  Federal need-based financial aid so that they can access, afford, and engage in  higher education. Earlier this month, the Department approved more than 160 of  those institutions to transition into a revised version of the experiment that  allows institutions to continue serving their students who are confined or  incarcerated after July 1, 2023. Institutions in the revised experiment will  have up to three years to seek Department approval of the PEPs they wish to  offer under the Department’s new regulations.

**Benefits of PEPs**

  The changes announced today are part of  the Department’s ongoing efforts to champion access to Federal student aid and  higher education for underserved populations. Prison education programs  transform the culture, climate, and safety of correctional facilities, and can  provide purpose and dignity for people with long-term and life sentences, who  then are the culture-bearers for those with shorter sentences.

  Data shows that  postsecondary programs offered in correctional facilities have also positively  impacted students' skills, future employment outcomes, and recidivism rates. For example, research on  prison education programs conducted by the RAND Corporation and funded by the  Department of Justice showed that prison education program participants were 43  percent less likely to recidivate and had employment rates 13 percent higher  than those who do not participate, supporting their successful reentry and  strengthening public safety.

  High-quality prison  education programs are also good for correctional facilities and their  employees as jails and prisons with college programs have fewer violent  incidents, creating a safer living and work environment. Prison education  programs also benefit taxpayers. The RAND Corporation also found that every  dollar invested in prison education programs saves taxpayers up to five  dollars. Additionally, prison education programs have a powerful  inter-generational effect that can transform outcomes for both learners who are  incarcerated and their children and other relatives.

  In today’s global economy, employment  depends on 21st century skills and credentials for everyone in our workforce.  Equipping learners who are confined or incarcerated with foundational skills  and technical competencies will help them to earn postsecondary credentials,  help them succeed and thrive during reentry, reduce incarceration costs, and  maximize public safety in our communities.
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