Why "pellgrantsforfelons"?

One of the questions I've gotten several times since our group's agreement to use the blog address pellgrantsforfelons is why we chose a phrase that's so potentially off-putting. I mean, it's hard enough convincing people that prisoners are worthy of recognition as worthwhile human beings, let alone getting them to believe they're deserving of grants, right? Well, it is because of that very mindset that I suggested such an address in the first place: it's attention-grabbing and instantly makes people curious, no matter where they stand on prisoners' rights. It urges people to ask, "What is this organization all about?" "Should I, as a law-abiding taxpayer, be concerned?" "Are they suggesting we just give money to convicted felons?"

Yes, yes we do, when it comes to education.

All people deserve the opportunity to be educated; to intellectually flourish. And as our extended mission statement says, we believe this also applies to those who are incarcerated. But if you're not yet convinced by our beliefs, take a look at a few key points from a study by the RAND Corporation, which determined that educational opportunities for those behind bars is a useful tool against recidivism:

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education: A Meta-Analysis of Programs That Provide Education to Incarcerated Adults

For those who have no issue with inmates having opportunities for education but feel they should pay for it "just like everyone else": everyone else, if not independently wealthy, applies for grants and takes out loans to attend school, as it's expensive. Since those who are incarcerated do not make enough money to pay for higher education and are ineligible for loans, there are no opportunities for them to fund their desire for higher learning. As well, most who are serving time do not have adequate financial support from family to pay the exorbitant costs of even the scant correspondence course opportunities that are available.

Thus, we feel it's time to roll back the devastating changes made in the 1990s to keep those behind bars from getting a proper education and instead, help prepare them for successful re-entry at the end of their sentences. After all, when still in place, Pell Grant funding for the incarcerated comprised less than 1% of total funding in the nation.

I think even in our crappy economy, we can afford that.