Education and transformation: an argument for college in prison

Abstract

This essay explores the dynamics of what it means to learn inside of a prison by featuring a narrative written by an individual who has been incarcerated for more than 20 years. The narrative explores the challenges and successes of earning a baccalaureate degree while in prison, including highlights from several courses and the overall significance of the college experience. The essay then features a dialogue between the incarcerated author and a university professor who teaches a course at the prison. The essay as a whole underscores the value of higher education in prison and the importance of supporting these types of programs.