Give inmates federal education grant

While it’s encouraging that many businesses have committed to giving greater opportunities to qualified applicants who are formerly incarcerated, as USA TODAY reported, steps must also be taken to provide currently incarcerated people greater access to the knowledge and skills necessary to join the workforce upon re-entry. Expanding access to postsecondary education by lifting the ban on federal Pell Grants for people in prison would create a larger pool of qualified applicants.

Jobs that require applicants to have a minimum education level, ranging from post-high school training to a bachelor’s degree and beyond, make up a sizable share of the overall economy today. The availability of Pell Grants for incarcerated people would help them access the necessary education and training to be eligible to fill these jobs.

If Congress is committed to reducing recidivism, it needs to reinstate federal Pell Grants for people in prison. Margaret diZerega, project director Vera Institute of Justice New York

It’s hard to integrate into normal living after you’ve been a convicted felon. I got lucky and did make it, when most felons were shunned.

I’m sure most of the companies that are open to hiring ex-felons will learn really fast that some people make dumb mistakes. There are too many foolish kids out there. Justin Falken

Local governments should be subsidizing businesses that make a commitment to hiring ex-felons. Phill Martin

Companies that don’t ask applicants if they have a criminal background are saying to citizens with no criminal record to go to the back of the line. Arthur Bennett I’ve worked along side many ex-felons. They become humble by the time they get out of prison. I’m happy they have more opportunities now. Daniel Wagner

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