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University Behind Bars - UBB
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Teaching higher education classes to students in
Washington State prisons through our program
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Graduation Celebration 2009
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The Washington State legislature decided in 1994, at the height of the tough-on-crime era, to prohibit the use of state funds for college education for prisoners - despite overwhelming evidence that post secondary education is the single most effective way to reduce violence and recidivism. At the same time, the federal government prohibited the use of Pell Grants for prisoners, the mainstay of prison college programs.
Prison is punishment. Prisoners live in cells about the size of a king size mattress for years and often decades, separated from spouses, children, family and friends, with little to do but watch television. If our prisons fail to provide them with an education that will qualify them to earn a livable wage most of them will fail and return to prison.
Right now recidivism in Washington State is near 70%. That means that seven out of ten prisoners released will return to prison within three years. Prisoners who earn college degrees before release have a 90% chance of never returning to prison.
The Prisoners Education Networks program University Behind Bars exists to improve these odds.
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"America's Disappeared" - KSER 90.7FM
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Educating the community - Public Radio program
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America's Disappeared is a monthly radio program that features interviews and lectures intended to educate the general public about the current state of the American criminal justice system and the need for it's reform.
The program airs the first Monday of every month (6:30 pm) on KSER 90.7 FM,
Everett, WA.
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