The Department of Corrections (DOC) offers certain education and work programs to incarcerated individuals at state correctional institutions based on available funding and with the following goals, prioritized in the order listed:
If programming is provided for goals 1, 2, or 3, the DOC pays the cost, including books, materials, and supplies. If programming is provided for goal 4, the incarcerated individual is required to pay all or a portion of the cost, including books, fees, and tuition based on a DOC formula that correlates to the incarcerated individual's average monthly income or available savings, and a prorated portion or percent of the per-credit fee. A third party may pay the DOC directly for all or a portion of the programming costs aligned with the fourth goal.
The DOC, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Washington Student Achievement Council, and the Washington Statewide Reentry Council, in collaboration with an organization representing the presidents of the public four-year institutions of higher education, submit an annual report on postsecondary education programs and incarcerated individuals to the committees of the Legislature with oversight over higher education and correctional matters.
If programming provided for goals 2, 3, and 4 is eligible for financial aid grants:
Where possible and not otherwise covered by third-party funding, the DOC must pay the cost of programming provided for goals 2 and 3, including books, materials, and supplies, if:
The DOC must adjust its postaward formula for determining how much an incarcerated individual must pay for programming under goal 4 to deduct amounts from utilized financial aid or third-party funding. The adjusted postaward formula offsets and funds paid by the DOC for educational programming under goal 4 shall not result in the reduction of gift aid. Gift aid is financial aid received from the Federal Pell Grant, the Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship Program, the Opportunity Grant program, or any other state grant, scholarship, or worker retraining program that provides funds for educational purposes with no obligation of repayment.
A complete list of postsecondary degree and certificate education programs offered at each state correctional facility, including enrollment and completion rates for each program is added to the annual state agency report on postsecondary education programs and incarcerated individuals.
The substitute bill clarifies that programs offering basic academic skills through obtaining a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate, and special education services pursuant to state or federal law, are not eligible for financial aid. The substitute bill allows the DOC to: (1) require incarcerated individuals to apply for financial aid for programming provided for goals 2, 3, and 4; (2) alters the postaward formula to include a deduction of any utilized financial aid or third-party funding; and (3) requires the addition of a complete list of postsecondary degree and certificate education programs offered at each state correctional facility, including enrollment and completion rates for each program, be included in the annual state agency report on postsecondary education programs and incarcerated individuals. The substitute bill only requires the DOC to pay the cost of programming provided for goals 2 and 3 where possible and if the cost of attendance exceeds eligibility for grants, in addition to other potential factors listed in the original bill.
(In support) Incarcerated individuals who participate in educational programming gain access and opportunity to transform their lives. Data and studies demonstrate that the best way to ensure transformation and that incarcerated individuals are able to be successful when no longer incarcerated is by providing educational opportunities for them to develop skills and knowledge. Ensuring education to incarcerated individuals is also a safety issue, as it benefits those working with incarcerated individuals. Extending resources to our incarcerated individuals is important because the state receives federal dollars. This bill saves taxpayer funds?every dollar invested in educational programming and access to resources is over $21 returned. This bill breaks the chain of intergenerational poverty by allowing incarcerated individuals to continue on a better pathway upon release. Allowing incarcerated individuals access to financial aid is essential in ensuring equitable access to education and equipping students with tools for success.
Washington is a national leader in increasing education to reduce recidivism. It is not in a student's best interest to be required to dip into their limited Pell benefits. There are 11 correctional facilities in the state, each offering different educational opportunities. Incarcerated individuals do not get a choice of which prison they are sent to, so therefore they do not get an option for which educational opportunities they have access to. A 2022 study found that completing any educational program or vocational training reduced recidivism by over 15 percent and increased the chance of gaining employment post incarceration by over 7 percent. The number one factor in someone not recommitting when released is being employed. Programs offered in prisons need to be relevant to the outside world.
(Opposed) None.
Representative Mari Leavitt, prime sponsor; Sandy Kaiser, The Evergreen State College; Noreen Light, Information For A Change; Dirk van Velzen, Prison Scholar Fund; David Moore; Hanan Al-Zubaidy, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; Rose Gundersen, Washington Retail Association; Jacob Vigdor; and Vicki Christophersen, Justice Action Network .