WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Promoting Reentry through Education in Prisons (PREP) Act. Congresswoman Dean and Senator Schatz previously introduced this bicameral legislation in 2021 and 2019. The PREP Act would ensure that incarcerated individuals receive the education needed to successfully reenter their communities after completing their sentences.
Providing incarcerated individuals with the resources to effectively reintegrate into society upon release can dramatically reduce recidivism. Two-thirds of formerly incarcerated individuals are rearrested within three years; however, incarcerated people who participated in educational programs had a 43 percent lower recidivism rate and a 13 percent higher employment rate than those who did not receive these opportunities.
“We must equip people with the skills they need to succeed when reentering society,” Rep. Dean said. “Our bill would create educational opportunities to help prevent reincarceration and enable individuals to seize their second chance — for themselves, their families, and their communities. I’m grateful to Senator Schatz for his leadership on this important bill that will change lives for the better.”
“People with a criminal record should have the chance to learn or go back to school,” said Senator Schatz. “This bill targets the barriers that make it harder for people to pursue a better life through higher education.”
“Returning citizens deserve to re-enter society prepared to contribute in meaningful ways. Having the education and training to work with others upon release not only makes sense for formerly incarcerated individuals but also for the workforce development of our economy,” Congressman Mfume said. “Recidivism rates are continually reduced with educational programs for inmates, ultimately lowering prison expenses. Let’s work to invest in human capital which in turn will increase monetary capital for businesses, small and big alike."
The PREP Act:
- Establishes an Office of Prison Education within the Bureau of Prisons: The Office would standardize educational programs across all federal prisons, ensuring that BOP provides educational services for adult literacy, GED, postsecondary, workforce readiness, apprenticeships, career and technical education, and expanded opportunities for individual with learning disabilities.
- Establishes the Federal Prison Education Program: The program would create partnerships between federal correctional facilities and education providers to create quality programs that promote successful community reintegration.
- Trains and assists state and local correctional institutions: The legislation would provide training and technical assistance to state and local correctional institutions that implement similar education programs.
- Notifies veterans of their eligibility: The bill would ensure that eligible veterans are notified of their ability to access education benefits and are connected with available programs in their federal or state correctional facility.
The PREP Act is endorsed by the Vera Institute, Institute for Higher Education Policy, Dream.org, and the Center for American Progress.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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