The Path to Higher Education After Incarceration: A Qualitative Case Study with Project Rebound Students

Education can act as a motivational, and changing, force in any individuals’ life – specifically for those who are experiencing incarceration. Project Rebound, an educational support program housed in the California State University system, has reported a >0.1% recidivism rate for its members. However, California’s overall recidivism rate is at 41.9% (Correctional News, 2024). This study uses qualitative research methods to examine the path to higher education for formerly incarcerated individuals. Seven active students enrolled in Project Rebound from a large southern California university participated in a one-on-one interview that lasted between 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Each interview was audio recorded, and then transcribed for coding purposes. Participants were asked about their experiences in higher education, Project Rebound, and the juvenile justice system. After thematic analysis using inductive, then deductive coding, four main codes were prevalent across the participants – Change is Possible, Education as a Catalyst; Early Experiences with Incarceration; Educating Others; and “It’s a Part of my Story, but not the Whole Thing.” Overall, these findings highlight the impact education, specifically higher education, can have in changing incarcerated individuals’ lives.