NEBHE releases report on the future of higher education in prisons
The New England Commission on the Future of Higher Education in Prison, a joint initiative by NEC members the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and The Educational Justice Institute at MIT (TEJI) has announced new findings on the impact of higher education in the prison systems. On June 7, 2023, the Commission released a report advocating for expanded higher education opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
The report recommends re-envisioning the entire process from intake to re-entry, emphasizing educational and career planning as the foundation for re-entry plans. The commission consists of stakeholders from various fields, including corrections, higher education, and employers. NEC President & CEO Jim Brett was honored to serve on the commission. They propose 15 recommendations, including the employment of education and career navigators, improved use of technology, and the establishment of credit transfer compacts. The report aims to ensure equitable access to quality postsecondary education for incarcerated individuals in New England.
“This groundbreaking commission created a network of leaders and stakeholders whose collaborative involvement is essential to expanding equitable access to high-quality workforce-aligned higher education for incarcerated people throughout New England,” said Michael K. Thomas, President and CEO, the New England Board of Higher Education. “New England has an important leadership role to play in building the future of higher education in prison—and this report will be a catalyst for the actions, policy changes and investments that are needed,” he said.
The New England Council would like to commend both NEBHE and TEJI for their continued advocacy toward expanding higher education opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
Read more from the New England Board of Higher Education.