From Formerly Incarcerated to College Graduate: One Student's Journey

ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml

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147

Institutionalized Persons; Higher Education; Barriers; Case Studies; Admission Criteria; Access to Education; Transitional Programs

979-83-8119-178-3

Individuals released from prison often struggle to begin their lives again. Finding employment and acceptable housing may be at the top of their To Do lists but the list of requirements may not stop there. Hefty fines or rigorous probation requirements are often part of one's reentry experience. Others may wish to seek training or educational degrees in hopes of obtaining better employment. Enrollment in higher education presents its own requirements that may more closely resemble obstacles for the formerly incarcerated person. Proof of residency for tuition rate determination purposes is often required. The ability to produce proof of residency often comes in the form of income tax reports, lease, or mortgage agreements of at least one year prior, vehicle registration of at least one year, or state identification issued at least one year prior to the start date of the college semester. Any of these requirements may present as a considerable obstacle for the individual just released from an extended incarceration period. Even with legal forms of identification and state residency requirements satisfied, college entrance requirements may also necessitate placement exams, proof of high school completion or its equivalent, as well fees for tuition and other education-related costs. The energy, time and resources required to secure the urgent priorities of obtaining work, shelter, food, transportation, identification, and any other potential requirements related to their release can be overwhelming. This case study seeks to better understand how one formerly incarcerated individual navigated higher education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

As Provided

2024

ED644918