The Higher Education Scholarship Law of Pennsylvania was passed in 1966, creating strict eligibility requirements for recipients of state financial aid grants which continue to exist today. The law mandated that, for individuals to qualify for state financial aid, they “shall satisfactorily meet the qualifications of ‘financial need,’ character and academic promise, as well as academic achievement, as established by the agency [PHEAA].” The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has interpreted the law to mean that any individual who is incarcerated shall be deemed to have unsatisfactory character, and therefore disallowed access to Pennsylvania State Aid.

The passage of the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2020 has opened doors for incarcerated individuals in the United States by allowing them to apply for federal Pell grants to pursue college education. However, despite this opportunity, incarcerated students in Pennsylvania face significant obstacles due to state regulations that restrict access to supplemental financial aid. PHEAA could play a crucial role in bridging the funding gap for incarcerated students. Without the ability to draw on state aid, many institutions are unable to sustainably operate higher education in prison (HEP) programs, leading to a significant dearth of opportunity for incarcerated Pennsylvanians. This issue not only affects individual opportunities but also perpetuates systemic inequalities, particularly in education and incarceration rates tied to geographic location and historic racial disparities.

Investing in HEP programs not only benefits incarcerated individuals but also yields positive outcomes for society at large. Studies have shown that access to education in prison significantly reduces reincarceration rates, increases post-release employment opportunities, and fosters a skilled workforce with higher earning potential. Higher education in prison not only represents a socially just and economical pathway, but also proves to be cost-effective. Studies estimate that for every dollar invested by the state into higher education for incarcerated individuals, it saves approximately $4-5 in reduced incarceration expenses due to lower rates of recidivism. By addressing these barriers and expanding access to education, Pennsylvania can advance social equity, reduce correctional costs, and empower individuals to contribute positively to their communities upon reintegration.

To address the systemic barriers inhibiting equitable access to educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals in Pennsylvania, we are embarking on a multifaceted approach. Firstly, we are collaborating closely with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to advocate for a change in the interpretation of the “character clause”, which currently restricts access to Pennsylvania State Aid for incarcerated individuals. Additionally, we are actively engaged in legislative efforts aimed at striking down the clause altogether, thereby eliminating this barrier and ensuring equal access to educational resources for all individuals, regardless of their incarceration status. Through strategic advocacy, partnership building, and legislative initiatives, we are committed to driving tangible change that promotes educational equity and empowers incarcerated individuals to pursue higher education and realize their potential.