Reducing Recidivism Through Targeted Education and Workforce Programs
An evidence-based case for expanding vocational training and education access inside correctional facilities with a cost analysis showing the budget increase offset by savings from reduced re-incarceration.
Key findings
- Approximately 62% to 68% of state prisoners are rearrested within three years of release (BJS / Council on Criminal Justice)
- Prison education participants are up to 48% less likely to reincarcerate and 13% more likely to find work
- For previously unemployed inmates, job training programs led to a +40 percentage point increase in employment after release (NBER)
- Every $1 invested in correctional education saves $4–$5 in future incarceration costs
