National Recidivism Rate: 68%
Prison Scholar Fund: 4%

Distance Education

Our core program provides access to postsecondary distance education. These courses are generally paper-based, which students can complete independently without any type of institutional support.

We are expanding our core program to include cached, “hybrid-online” courses in partnership with the Arizona State University; an onsite coding program, in partnership with Code Fellows; and access to secure, digital tablets that inmates can use in their living units to complete coursework.

The goal is to help inmates pursue postsecondary degrees, and gain skills valued in the labor market. With a degree and marketable skills, the individual, upon release, will be less likely to return to prison because he or she will possess valuable credentials and have more opportunities for success.

While we understand that our scholars may be more motivated to change their lives and avoid crime than the average prisoner, we still believe in the power of education to reduce recidivism. The positive effect of education on recidivism has been backed by several academic studies, and is demonstrated in our scholars’ low recidivism rate.

Students apply for funding by submitting an application for scholarship support.

Mentoring & Advising

Oftentimes, students need guidance when beginning their educational journey. PSF staff and volunteers assist our Prison Scholars as they choose an academic program, help them explore an area of focus, and understand degree requirements. The PSF is especially helpful when it comes to working with state departments of corrections, as every state is different, which presents unique challenges and opportunities.

Access to quality educational programming: We focus on delivering postsecondary education to Returning Citizens within three years of release.

Prison-to-Employment Pipeline: We match Returning Citizens with employers who are eager for smart, dedicated, and loyal employees. Mod Pizza leads the way: “The idea of second chances… is a byproduct of the commitment we made early on to use the business as a platform to make a positive social impact.”

We are working with the Arizona State University to open access to its 150+ online degrees, ranked #4 in online undergraduate programs.

We aim to open access to this type of quality educational programming for our nation’s Returning Citizens, to help break the cycle of recidivating and homelessness.