News FeedEducational Opportunities in Prison
Many readers write me with questions about educational opportunities in prison. During the more than 21 years that I have served, I’ve worked hard to educate myself. Those efforts paid off, as Mercer University awarded me an undergraduate degree in 1992, and Hofstra University awarded me a graduate degree in 1995. I urge all those who face criminal indictments to consider educating themselves if a federal prison term follows.
On September 11, 2008, Mike Celizic reported on Andres Idarrago for Todayshow.com. Idarraga described how he studied hard during the six years he served in a Rhode Island prison. He earned his GED. Upon his release, Idarraga enrolled in Brown University and earned an undergraduate degree. He then was admitted into Yale Law School. With those educational credentials, Idarraga will open opportunities to make great contributions to society.
Those who have an interest in pursuing educational opportunities in prison may find value in my article Opportunities for Higher Learning or my Topical Report Series Understanding Prison.
Mr. Santos,
As I stated in another blog I posted, I am a junior in college and one of our assignments was to read, “Inside”. I really enjoyed the booked and it made me aware of several issues that go on side the prison walls. First, I think that it is great that you have taken advantaged of your time in there and educated yourself and for also trying to help others do the same thing. I do think that doing so will lead individuals in a different direction upon release and hopefully it will keep them from going back to doing the same old thing. I did get a little upset a couple of times while reading the book, especially when some of the prisons would not let you further your education. I just don’t understand that. You would think they would be more than willing to help prisoners because it would keep them out of trouble. I guess some people just don’t care and see all of you in the same way and that is just wrong.