FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 31, 2015

Contact: Sarah Schultz, sarah.schultz@younginvincibles.org, 202.734.6510

Young Invincibles Supports Pell Grant Eligibility for Incarcerated Adults

Today, the Education Department and Justice Department announced a new pilot program to extend Pell Grant eligibility to incarcerated adults. Jennifer Wang, Policy Director of Young Invincibles, issued the following statement:

“This is a common sense idea that will offer incarcerated young people an opportunity to afford an education and find a quality job. Young adults in the justice system already face major barriers trying to get back on track. Roughly two-thirds of incarcerated people live below the poverty line and many struggle to build job skills. Skyrocketing college costs push educational opportunities even further from reach. Pell Grants will provide access to crucial education and training, which can reduce unemployment, poverty, and ultimately lead to lower rates of incarceration and recidivism.

Young adults account for more than a quarter of the 10 million individuals involved with the prison system each year. Already facing harsher economic conditions than previous generations, and with much of their lives still ahead of them, incarcerated young adults working hard to get back on their feet deserve the chance for a quality education and a better life.”