Written by Brian Walsh
Over the course of my fifteen years working at the intersection of learning and societal change, I have come to realize that the time individuals spend in prison should be dedicated to preparing them for successful rehabilitation. The concept is simple yet effective: providing prisoners with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive upon their return to society is the most effective way to reduce recidivism. My journey from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Vera Institute of Justice, where I worked in correctional education, to my current role as Director of Customer Platform, Education, and Reentry at Securus Technologies, an Aventiv business, has largely been guided by this principle.
I have personally witnessed how technology can serve as a powerful enabler for providing education to incarcerated individuals. At Securus Technologies, we place a strong emphasis on “connecting what matters,” which involves utilizing technology to grant prisoners access to education, enabling them to enhance their lives and contribute to stronger communities. However, it’s important to recognize that not all correctional facilities are the same, and neither are the individuals who are incarcerated. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t suffice when it comes to offering online education. It’s not about offering 500 courses; rather, it’s about ensuring that individuals receive the right training tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
Jails and prisons serve distinct purposes, and as such, their approaches to education must be tailored accordingly. Individuals often have limited time during their incarceration, so Securus Technologies places a strong emphasis on addressing each inmate’s immediate needs and assisting them in acquiring essential skills quickly and efficiently to facilitate their reentry process. This includes providing substance abuse treatment, job searching skills, and short-term security training for roles in construction or food handling. To allow inmates to select material that is most relevant to their immediate concerns, we collaborate with Edovo, our third-party partner, which offers comprehensive educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs in the corrections space. Resources such as reentry cooking courses, substance abuse treatment programs, and basic skills training are made available to them.
However, individuals serving longer sentences in prison have more time to invest in their education. Securus Technologies offers post-secondary education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a wealth of resources to help incarcerated individuals complete their educational journey, from earning high school diplomas to pursuing two-year and four-year degrees. Through our investment in the Lantern Learning Management System and post-secondary training solutions, inmates can acquire knowledge, attain degrees, and work towards meaningful careers while incarcerated. Furthermore, a recent partnership between Securus and Essential Education provides inmates with free access to premium educational and re-entry resources, including GED preparation, HiSET prep, computer proficiency, and financial literacy.
These tailored approaches represent a fundamental shift in our approach to correctional education. The true value lies in addressing the specific needs of each inmate; simply checking the education box and offering numerous courses is insufficient. We equip them with the tools and resources they require to improve their lives and make a positive impact on society once they regain their freedom.
This approach aligns with research on reducing recidivism. Studies show that individuals are more likely to abstain from criminal activity when they have strong connections to their families and communities, meaningful employment, recognition of their worth by others, feelings of hope and self-sufficiency, and a sense of purpose. Knowledge plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives by imparting the skills and abilities necessary for employment, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.
Irrespective of the duration of an individual’s sentence, online education within correctional facilities offers transformational opportunities beyond just courses. The right education can spark a brighter future and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. In collaboration with correctional facilities, educators, and organizations like Edovo and Essential Education, Securus Technologies is committed to ensuring that inmates have access to the education and resources they need to succeed, both during their incarceration and in their lives beyond it. By embracing flexible and tailored approaches, we empower those we serve to create meaningful and successful futures, benefiting not only them but also our communities and society as a whole.
At Securus Technologies, Brian Walsh oversees user systems, education, and rehabilitation. He previously held positions as a program manager at the nonprofit Vera Institute, program coordinator at the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and director of correctional education at Peninsula College at two Department of Corrections facilities.
[Website: www.aventiv.com]