How To Increase The Cost Of Prison Education

George W. Bush once said, “America is the land of the second chance ­ and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life” (Bush). However, this quote has not been proven to be true when looking at the education opportunities provided in prison. In fact, during the economic recession between 2009 and 2012, the prison education budget was reduced by 6% (“Prison Education Systems”). An increase in funds for education programs in prison will result in increased employment rates of released prisoners, decreased recidivism rates, and safer communities.
First of all, an increase of prison education program funding will result in increased employment rates of released prisoners. According to Forbes Magazine (“College Behind
Bars”), “An inmate’s ability to …show more content…
Hering 3
Without fail, funds for prison education programs should be increased because it will lead to the inflation of employment rates, fewer prisoners incarcerated following them being released, and safer communities. Some may argue that law­abiding citizens should not have to fund programs for prisoners and that inmates should pay for their own education. However, prison education programs benefit the whole community by reducing recidivism and crime rates (“Why
Prison Education”). It also saves taxpayers money because reincarceration costs are more expensive than education costs (“Measuring The Power”). Nevertheless, prison education programs will educate inmates as well as teach them the proper social skills necessary to obtain employment. This increased employment rate will allow ex­prisoners to create lives for themselves and prompt less ex­prisoners to return to prison. Lastly, the positive reinforcement of education programs will directly reflect on the safety of communities. Education is something that should be available to people in all circumstances to help Americans live the best life one could live.
Hering