Texarkana College expands prison education initiatives after new Pell Grant access

Texarkana College Trustees received an update from Dr. Dixon Boyles, Vice President for Academic Affairs, on the college's efforts to expand its education programs for prison inmates. This expansion comes on the heels of federal legislation under the FAFSA Simplification Act that restored Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students in federal and state prisons.

Dr. Boyles emphasized the importance of the new policy, which will take effect in July 2023. “Congress' recent action has opened doors for incarcerated individuals to gain greater access to higher education,” Boyles said. He noted that Texarkana College (TC) has successfully operated educational programs at the Barry B. Telford Unit for years and sees this new rule as an opportunity to expand and extend those services to the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Texarkana.

Currently, TC is offering a welding course at the Telford Unit to nine incarcerated students working toward an Occupational Skills Award (OSA). These students are also on track to receive a one-year welding certificate, and a second group is scheduled to begin the program later this year. Dr. Boyles expressed hope that the program will not only improve the lives of incarcerated people, but will also contribute to a safer environment inside and outside of prison. Research from the U.S. Department of Education shows that participation in post-secondary education programs can reduce the likelihood of re-incarceration by 28%, thereby improving public safety.

To support this initiative, TC has applied to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for recognition as a Prison Education Program (PEP). This status is required for the college to offer Pell Grant-funded educational programs to incarcerated individuals. While waiting for this recognition, TC is also working with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to offer non-credit courses at FCI-Texarkana as early as this fall.

Dr. Boyles emphasized the college's leadership role in applying for PEP approval, describing the process as thorough and time-consuming. He pointed out the significant differences in regulations that exist between providing services to federal prisoners and those of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Despite these challenges, TC is making steady progress and has set a goal of receiving approval from the Department of Education to offer Pell-acceptable credit courses at FCI-Texarkana by year's end.

The planned programs at FCI-Texarkana focus on high-quality training in welding and electrical engineering and offer inmates the opportunity to earn work certificates or pursue an associate degree. Dr. Boyles praised the dedication of TC staff, who work closely with FCI-Texarkana staff to ensure top-notch instruction for incarcerated students.

Doug Saffel, director of prison education programs at TC, and Kelley Coleman, assistant director, are leading this effort. Both bring extensive experience in education and working with incarcerated individuals. Saffel, a distinguished professor of history and political science, has been recognized for his excellence in teaching, while Coleman is also a member of TC's English faculty.

For more details about Texarkana College’s prison education programs, contact Doug Saffel at 903-823-3228 or email [email protected].