Government-funded college education expands to benefit thousands of US prisoners

Thousands of prisoners across the United States will have the opportunity to receive free college education paid for by the government, thanks to the expansion of the federal Pell Grant program. The new rules, which overturn a 1994 ban on Pell Grants for prisoners, aim to address the mass incarceration and racial disparities in the prison population. College degrees obtained by prisoners can significantly increase their chances of finding employment and successfully reintegrating into society upon release. While there are concerns about racial imbalances and limited resources within prisons, advocates believe that providing education to incarcerated individuals can lead to redemption, rehabilitation, and reduced recidivism rates.