Governor Rick Scott gave fresh hope to Florida Prisoners by signing a bill into law that opens the door to new opportunities for education while incarcerated. Appealing to fundamental human rights of dignity, pride, and hope are the cornerstones of this new law offering the change and a whole new life for some inmates.
Governor Rick Scott gave fresh hope to Florida Prisoners by signing a bill into law that opens the door to new opportunities for education while incarcerated. Appealing to fundamental human rights of dignity, pride, and hope are the cornerstones of this new law offering the change and a whole new life for some inmates.
Finding a job in Florida can tough enough if you are well-educated and near impossible if you do not have a high school diploma. The majority of inmates in Florida have no secondary education, and many have not completed twelfth grade. The new bill passed by Gov. Rick Scott is looking to change all that.
Back in the early 1980’s, prison education was at its pinnacle with federal funds flowing freely to prisons all over the United States and prisoners benefiting from a myriad of various programs. Then in 1994, with the crackdown on crime, those funds dried up and along with it the hopes and dreams of many inmates looking to improve their lives.
This new bill re-stokes the fire and hopefully will start a trend back to the glory days of education while incarcerated.
Studies performed during the heyday of prison education all showed the massive positive impact that correctional education has on recidivism and how useful it is in keeping prisoners on the straight and narrow once they are released.
This new law provides state funding to Florida prisons to partner with local school districts and colleges forming a program called Postsecondary Workforce Education (PWE). Inmates with 24 months or less left on their sentence are eligible to participate in the program.
The program is extensive, with access to Florida Virtual School (FLVS), some charter and public schools allowing inmates to choose between certifications, degree programs, and even apprenticeships.
The FLVS adds versatility to the program with over 150 accredited courses including math, English, science, social studies and physical education. Students can choose to study photography, finance, theater, film production, journalism, family counseling and more.
The Benefits
Not only does education in prisons prepare prisoners for outside living and a better life, but it also reduces the number of repeat offenders by 16%. It prepares, but also gives hope where there was none.
The community also benefits from enormous tax savings. Each dollar spent on prison education results in a tax saving of $4-$5 for reincarceration expenses.
Communities gain a secondary benefit of prisoners now educated and skilled becoming contributing members of society.
The hope is that other states will recognize the powerful impact of Florida’s PWE system and follow suit with funding of their own prison education programs.
Preparing Prisoners for the Job Market
PWE is a simple, yet elegant solution to a serious problem. Once released from prison, inmates often face challenges transitioning back into society and finding a job. Armed now with the proper education, degree, and skills they need to find a good job, and take care of themselves, everyone benefits.
The job market in the south is tight right now, and anyone looking for gainful employment needs to be well-educated with top-notch skills. This new initiative gives recently released inmates a chance to compete.
Since 1994 when funding for prison education was rescinded, this bill represents a long overdue movement back towards reform instead of just punishment. United States prisons are filled with poor, uneducated people who did not have the same opportunities afforded to those with higher education. This new law will hopefully level the playing field.
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