Video Q&A: Ascendium’s Molly Lasagna and Ashley Parker on the Growing Focus of High-Quality Postsecondary Education in Prison
The reinstatement of Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated learners has opened the door to more equitable access to high-quality postsecondary education in prisons. This development is pivotal for fostering lifelong autonomy and success among incarcerated individuals.
High-quality postsecondary education in prison equips learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for personal and professional growth. However, their success post-release also hinges on the support they receive to secure stable employment. Ensuring that the skills acquired during incarceration translate into good jobs is crucial for these learners’ reintegration into their communities.
As the reinstatement of Pell Grants progresses, there's an increasing focus on integrating currently and formerly incarcerated individuals into mainstream educational institutions. This integration is essential for providing them with the same opportunities and resources as their non-incarcerated peers.
Our program officers are deeply engaged in these discussions daily, working to identify policies and practices that support incarcerated learners. To delve into these critical issues, we sat down with Senior Program Officer Molly Lasagna and Program Officer Ashley Parker. They shared insights on the challenges and opportunities in postsecondary education in prison, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems to ensure incarcerated learners can fully benefit from educational opportunities.
