It was barely six months ago when I wrote about the battle to bring back Pell Grants for prisoner education programs across the country. At the time, I applauded the work many were doing with little money to underscore a well-known fact: the more education one has, the less likely that person is to be involved in the criminal justice system or to recidivate if they have been involved. Pell grants still haven't made it back as a way to fund college education in prison but that doesn't mean they won't. Education keeps people out of prison and the clearer that becomes, the more likely we are to get others to see we save money by educating prisoners.

photo from www.audaciousideas.org

Last week, a report from the Rand Corporation — apparently "the largest-ever meta-analysis of correctional educational studies"-  found scientifically what we all have been saying for years. It's good to have these facts, however: According to Rand, prisoners who "receive general education and vocational training are significantly less likely to return to prison after release and are more likely to find employment than peers who do not receive such opportunities."

The cost is also a plus for prisons and prisoners: a $1 investment in prison education "reduces incarceration costs by $4 to $5 during the first three years post-release."

Most importantly is this new piece of data: those who participate in correctional education programs have 43 percent less chance of returning to prison than those who do not. Not insignificantly, employment after release was 13 percent higher among those who participated in either academic (or vocational education programs) than those who did not.

Several years ago I visited a prison in England and discovered how much they valued education behind bars. They were allowing and encouraging prisoners on their way out to apply to colleges while still incarcerated so they'd have some security when they got out. One prison I visited also brought in those searching for workers at different jobs to watch prisoners perform in a production. After seeing the performance, those job counselors interviewed the men and many were offered jobs upon release. I thought this was one of the most supportive and creative ways I had seen behind bars — anywhere — to help people get on their feet.

These studies that we do– Rand's being the latest and perhaps the most comprehensive to date — are great, but only if prisons and correctional officials actually listen to the results. It's good to hear our Attorney General, Eric Holder, saying “These findings reinforce the need to become smarter on crime by expanding proven strategies for keeping our communities safe, and ensuring that those who have paid their debts to society have the chance to become productive citizens."

Now let's bring back Pell Grants and make college accessible and affordable for all– even and especially those behind bars who are proving they are more likely to stay out of crime if given books, pens and teachers.