Document Type
Research Report
Original Publication Date
2025
Date of Submission
April 2025
Abstract
Virginia has an incarceration rate of 679 per 100,000 residents, the highest among independent democratic nations. This scoping review examines perspectives on post-secondary STEM education to promote STEM education within Virginia's correctional facilities, assesses programs to improve rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and address systemic inequalities by developing the scientific potential of incarcerated individuals. The review finds that while STEM education in correctional facilities faces limitations, its potential benefits are being realized nationwide. Virginia has made strides through initiatives like House Bill 2158, which aims to expand higher education access for incarcerated individuals. Examples such as the programs at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Danville Community College, Southside Virginia Community College, Piedmont Virginia Community College, and Rappahannock Community College illustrate ongoing efforts to provide educational opportunities in various fields. While Virginia has made progress in reducing recidivism and incarceration rates, there is still a need for more STEM education programs in correctional facilities. Recommendations include creating STEM dual enrollment for juvenile programs, adapting STEM courses for correctional facilities, securing Pell Grant funding, and building strong partnerships to facilitate the successful reintegration of incarcerated individuals to contribute to safer, fairer communities.
Is Part Of
Publications from the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success
Included in
Academic Advising Commons, Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Education Policy Commons, Engineering Commons, Higher Education Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Life Sciences Commons, Online and Distance Education Commons, Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Prison Education and Reentry Commons, Public Administration Commons, Science and Technology Policy Commons, Secondary Education and Teaching Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Statistics Commons, Social Work Commons
