At Boston University, we believe in the power of education to elevate, nurture, and transform. While all college students grow as they engage in new ways of thinking, the impact of education is especially evident within the prison system. Through rigorous study, incarcerated students develop the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence they need to reform their view of themselves and leave prison better equipped to contribute positively to their families and communities.
500+
Total number of students who have successfully completed a BU program while incarcerated
“I want to ensure that the curriculum we offer behind bars provides students with the same rigorous intellectual experience, sense of community support, and opportunity for growth as any world-class college classroom,” says Dr. Abby Ballou, director of BU’s Prison Education Program, whose research has shown the immense value of educating incarcerated students, and the ways an education can support successful reentry following release. “I believe that education is a human right, and that when we invest in the intellectual and personal growth of all people—including those who are incarcerated—we strengthen our communities and create a more just, inclusive society.”
Founded in 1972, Boston University’s Prison Education Program has helped more than 500 incarcerated individuals better their circumstances through a dedication to learning.