Technology Education Programs in Prisons increase Prosocial Behaviors and Computing Attitudes

Currently, the majority of incarcerated people in the United States cannot access consistent, high-quality education. When they are released, they often lack skills that are in high demand by employers. Unsurprisingly, 75 percent of returning citizens are still unemployed one year post-release, and over 67 percent of returning citizens are re-arrested within three years post-release. To curb this cycle, experts recommend comprehensive reforms, which include expanding educational and vocational training opportunities within correctional facilities—a recommendation that is getting increased attention as a consequence of Second Chance Pell. Over the past three years, a coding education program has launched in medium- to low-level correctional facilities in Missouri. This prison education program has positive impacts that extend beyond employment and recidivism. Indeed, participating in the program was associated with significant increases in prosocial behaviors and computing attitudes.