Educating the Incarcerated: A Worthy State Investment

Broadly, how does funding allocation affect participation and educational outcomes of adult education programs in California prisons?Specifically, does funding allocation for education programs in currently operational California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) public prisons influence enrollment numbers and educational attainment among incarcerated individuals between the fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2023-2024?To answer this question, I compare the educational program budget at all 32 open public prison institutions in California throughout the fiscal years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 to explore the allocations' impact on enrollment numbers and completion of high school diplomas, GEDs, and higher education degrees.I find that these program-specific budgets have a positive correlation with both average classroom enrollment and average educational achievement over the most recent three fiscal years, and I conclude with a discussion of what this means for the future of education in California's prison system moving forward.The implications of these findings are far-reaching.By prioritizing education and allocating sufficient funding, the CDCR can enhance the rehabilitative potential of incarceration and reduce recidivism rates.Increased access to quality education programs can provide incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful release, ultimately contributing to a safe society.