Everyone Deserves a Second Chance: The Importance of Education in the Prison System

Written by Terry Witherell, First Literacy Executive Director

Almost one in three American adults has a criminal record. With a criminal record, adults experience countless obstacles trying to access education, jobs, housing, and other opportunities.

At the same time, according to ProLiteracy and other organizations, 75% of those in prison lack a fourth grade reading level. This contrasts with the general population, where one in six Americans lack a fourth grade reading level. Clearly there is a connection between low literacy levels and those who are incarcerated.

A Second Chance

In 2017, April was established as Second Chance Month. Since it was established, organizations, places of worship, and businesses have joined together to identify ways to help eliminate some of the obstacles that hold people back from reaching their potential because of having a criminal record. Clearly not being able to read is one of the biggest obstacles that these adults face.

At First Literacy, we are committed to finding ways to help every adult in Massachusetts reach their potential. Literacy is a basic human right; every adult deserves to be able to read and write. Two of the projects First Literacy is funding this year through our First Literacy Grants program help those who have been involved in the court system.

The Impact of a Mother’s Literacy

Right: Stephanie Oliveira and Therapy Dog Molly. Left: Maria Puppolo (Program Manager), Susanne Campagna (Director), and Colleen Stocks (Assistant Superintendent).

We recently visited the Western Massachusetts Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee, to see firsthand the impact of our support. Their idea was to create a mother/child reading program for women incarcerated at the Correctional Center, with the goal of improving literacy skills for both the mothers involved in the program and their children. First Literacy’s support provides age-appropriate books for children and assists mothers in learning to read aloud with their children. Both virtual and in-person sessions are available to the families. The funds also help support the transportation expenses (via a gas card) for families bringing the children to visit their mothers.

According to a 2019 study, children who are read to daily hear one million more words before kindergarten than children who are not. Research also shows that a mother’s literacy level is the biggest predictor of a child’s literacy level.

When we visited the Correctional Center, we were able to speak to a few of the women who have been part of the program. They really enjoyed it! The women spoke enthusiastically about the weekly class they had, which taught them strategies to use with their children. Even more special to the mothers was the opportunity to see their children weekly via Zoom and read to them. What a gift! Each session runs for six weeks; and at the end, the children have the opportunity to come to visit their mothers in person and receive a book.

Preventing Criminal Offenses with Education

Another program First Literacy is supporting is through the Charlestown Adult Education Center. For a second year, First Literacy is funding a Juvenile Justice Diversion Program designed to keep young people from getting a criminal record. The program includes preventative and interventive work with young adults, direct contact with local law enforcement chiefs, judges and prosecutors to design Individualized Diversion Plans for at-risk students. The goal is to equitize opportunities, prevent future contact with the court system, increase educational and employment outcomes, and create pathways for success.

April is Second Chance Month. And really don’t we all need a second chance at times? Or a third, fourth, or fifth chance?

Thank you for supporting our mission: to fund innovation in adult literacy to change lives.