Education plays a crucial role in transforming inmates and unlocking freedom within prisons. In the New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), this opportunity is a double-edged sword for inmates striving for personal growth and rehabilitation.
Educational Challenges Inside NJ State Prison
Inmates at NJSP face significant barriers to obtaining higher education. The prison’s education department primarily offers GED-level courses, while other options, like independent study programs, often come at a high cost. For-profit correspondence schools provide unaccredited degrees, undermining the value of education.
- Courses offered: GED-level education and independent study
- Cost for independent study: $750 to $1,000 for certifications
- Unaccredited degrees from for-profit schools cost between $500 and $1,000
Personal Stories of Inmates Seeking Education
Many inmates, like Tariq MaQbool, who has been incarcerated since 2005, see education as a path to personal ownership of their time. After being incarcerated for a life sentence, MaQbool started studying to fulfill dreams that began before his imprisonment. His father immigrated from Pakistan so his sons could receive a better education.
In contrast, Thomas Koskovich, who has spent nearly 30 years in the same institution, expresses skepticism about the educational opportunities within the prison. He highlights the limitations of independent study classes, which require inmates to funding their own education without institutional support.
Barriers to Higher Learning
Access to further education is often restricted. Koskovich notes that the only form of higher education available is self-funded independent study, with some inmates stuck in GED classes for years. The NJSP’s administration shows little support for expanding educational opportunities, often responding to requests for new programs with indifference.
Breaking Down the Barriers
Despite the challenges, some inmates manage to pursue accredited degrees. Kashif Hassan, imprisoned for 15 years, has earned multiple degrees, including two PhDs, through distance learning. His success is attributed to family support that covered the hefty tuition fees associated with accredited programs.
Hassan emphasizes that education equips inmates with essential skills, empowering them to navigate their legal situations and re-enter society upon release.
A Glimmer of Hope: The TESU Program
In 2023, a new program from Thomas Edison State University (TESU) launched at NJSP, allowing inmates to pursue accredited college degrees independently from the prison’s administration. This development has been met with enthusiasm among inmates, providing a much-needed avenue for higher education.
- New TESU program launched in 2023
- Offers accredited degrees independently from NJSP
Students like Michael Doce, who is serving a 30-year sentence, view the program as a significant opportunity. Despite logistical challenges, such as delayed textbook shipments and recent restrictions on used books, students are committed to succeeding academically.
Education as a Path to Freedom
In conclusion, education within prisons serves as both an act of resistance and a pathway to rehabilitation. Inmates who dedicate themselves to learning not only envision a brighter future for themselves but also inspire hope within the broader community. The journey towards self-improvement in a confined environment illustrates that freedom begins with the mind, transcending the physical barriers of incarceration.
As education opportunities expand, inmates are reminded that while their bodies may be confined, their minds can still soar free, enabling them to reclaim ownership of their lives and destinies.
