University of Utah Launches National Center for Prison Education Research with $8 Million Grant

University of Utah Secures $8 Million Grant for Prison Education Research Lab

The University of Utah has recently been awarded a significant grant of $8 million to spearhead the creation of the Prison Education Action Research Lab (PEARL), marking the establishment of the first national center aimed specifically at researching and improving education programs for incarcerated individuals. This initiative represents a critical step towards advancing educational equity and justice for communities affected by incarceration.

A New Approach to Education in Prisons

Led by Erin Castro, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy, PEARL aims to transform the landscape of prison education. Castro, who serves as the associate dean for community engagement and access in the Office of Undergraduate Studies, emphasizes the need to shift the understanding of incarcerated individuals into one where they are recognized as college students. She believes that this shift in perspective is essential in redefining the approach to education in prison settings.

Current research into postsecondary education for inmates primarily stems from criminology. However, PEARL seeks to incorporate educational practices and theories, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of educational systems within correctional facilities. The lab will focus on pivotal research questions regarding postsecondary education in prisons, aiming to create a more holistic view of the educational experiences of incarcerated individuals.

Broader Societal Impact

Research consistently reveals that providing educational opportunities to prisoners yields significant societal benefits that extend far beyond prison walls. Accessing quality postsecondary education is linked to enhanced family dynamics and improved community safety. Castro notes that children of incarcerated learners often develop increased aspirations for educational achievement, further underscoring the importance of this initiative.

The establishment of PEARL has been lauded by multiple University officials. T. Chase Hagood, the vice provost for student success, remarked that the initiative embodies the essence of what higher education currently symbolizes—advancing an inclusive and equitable future for all learners. The long-term implications of such educational projects are invaluable, paving the way for transformative experiences for participants.

Funding and Collaboration

The generous funding for PEARL originates from the Ascendium Education Group, a philanthropic organization based in Madison, Wisconsin, dedicated to improving access to higher education and workforce training for marginalized groups. The support signifies a recognition of the importance of this research in driving systemic change within correctional education.

The lab's primary project, named the Prison Education Research Initiative (PERI), will function as a groundbreaking multi-institutional study, addressing pressing research questions related to educational policies and practices in prison contexts. Under the leadership of Castro, along with co-principal investigator Jason Taylor, associate professor of educational leadership and policy, PERI plans to systematically collect longitudinal data on various Prison Education Programs (PEP), their participants, and their outcomes.

Building Research Capacity

The initiative will collaborate with over 22 colleges and universities, aiming to gather extensive data linking postsecondary outcomes with the experiences of incarcerated students across diverse academic pathways. A key focus will be bridging the gap between research and practice, with the goal of strengthening evaluation capacities within educational institutions.

By fostering partnerships among practitioners and researchers, PEARL aims to empower educational leaders and advocates to leverage data effectively, ensuring that they can tailor support for incarcerated students and alumni, thereby fostering continuous improvement in educational offerings. In conclusion, the establishment of PEARL at the University of Utah represents a promising endeavor to not only enhance educational outcomes for incarcerated individuals but also to contribute to a broader societal narrative that prioritizes educational justice and transformation.