We believe in second chances. We have to give people who have paid their debt to society a fair shot at college and careers. Together we can make that a reality.John B. King, former Secretary of Education
Beyond the Box: A Resource Guide
Beyond the Box is a valuable resource for people who help ex-offenders effectively transition back into our communities. The U.S. Department of Education created this guide for college and university professionals, as well for other professionals who work with ex-offenders.
It offers:
- Information to remove unnecessary barriers to higher education for people with criminal records
- Recommendations for how to modify admissions policies and practices to support a more holistic review of applicants
- Resources on how to support ex-offenders after enrollment
Education Supports Transition Back into Society
Research shows that education can help people with criminal records successfully transition out of prison and into the classroom or the workforce. Education reduces the likelihood of return to prison within three years by more than 40 percent. Successful reintegration into society benefits individuals, their families, and our communities.
Getting an Education Isn’t Easy with a Criminal Record
The importance of education in getting a job can’t be over-stated. And yet getting an education is particularly challenging for ex-offenders. According to the U.S. Department of Education:
have been involved in the criminal justice system through either an arrest or conviction. That’s one out of three adults.
66 percent of postsecondary institutions collect criminal justice information for all prospective students.
Research suggests that colleges and universities that admit students with a criminal justice history have no greater crime than those that do not.
Nearly
of individuals with a felony criminal offense record seeking higher education at the State University of New York stopped the application process after being asked about criminal justice involvement.
Disparities in the criminal justice system, ranging from arrests to sentencing decisions, disproportionately impact individuals of color, and, in turn, disproportionately require students of color to respond to questions about criminal history.
Learn More
Access this research by visiting the Project E3 Resource Library.
Citation: U.S. Department of Education, Beyond the Box, Washington, D.C. 2016.
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