BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Though some prison educational programs have long been available, they were limited in recent years due to COVID-19 protocols. Now, the Department of Corrections is rebuilding its educational offerings.
DOC educators say learning in prison provides additional benefits. It enables incarcerated individuals to understand reading material that may be part of a court-ordered treatment program. It helps them follow societal expectations when they are released. It shows potential employers that they used their time in jail wisely. And it boosts feelings of belonging and accomplishment.
Darren Perron spoke with Seven Days’ Alison Novak, who wrote about ed programs taking place in Vermont prisons in this week’s issue.