The Partnership for College Completion celebrates the 104th General Assembly’s support to increase access to college programs for Illinois’ incarcerated population by investing in higher education in prison (HEP) programs in its most recent budget legislation. In addition to the invaluable opportunity to learn, HEP programs improve employment opportunities and reduce recidivism.
Degree program enrollment in prisons declined from 3,300 students in 2019 to less than 400 today, but this newly-funded grant program will allow the state to start turning that around. Split between the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board, $500,000 will be dedicated to HEP programs that assist students in earning bachelor’s and associate degrees. We thank Representative Michael Crawford for championing this legislation. Restoring prison degree programs reflects the principle that corrections should be about giving every person the tools to rebuild their life. This investment can open doors that have been closed, strengthen families and communities, and generate a return that far exceeds the cost.
As we have since our beginning, PCC will continue to advocate for critical legislation and proper, equitable investment into Illinois’ public higher education system. Illinois must meet this pivotal moment in higher education to knock down barriers and secure the equity-centered investments our students and our collective future urgently need.