Most youth offenders who are incarcerated have been sentenced as first-time adult felons. The average incarcerated youth has attended school only through grade 10. The average length of sentence for a youth offender is about 3 years.
Time spent in prison provides a unique opportunity for education and training.
There is a need for alternative educational opportunities during incarceration and after release. Educational and related services shall start during the period of incarceration in prison or prerelease and may continue during the period of parole. State correctional education agencies and cooperating institutions shall, to the extent practicable, use high-tech applications in developing programs to meet the requirements and goals of this section.