Education in Prison

Strategies and Insights for Success

When going through any kind of adversity, I've found it best to take action. Never wait for circumstances to change. Take small action steps to transform your life.

Education can become a bridge for those seeking to turn challenges into opportunities—especially in prison. I know this because I lived it.

During the 26 years that I served, it became important to learn. If I was learning, I felt as if I was making progress toward becoming the man I wanted to become. I began in solitary confinement, reading books that helped to change my mindset and learn how to think differently. I learned to focus on what I could control, understanding that I didn't have any control over external matters.

By focusing on learning, I could begin to rebuild confidence, believing that I could shape my future.

Whether you're in prison or supporting someone who is, this article will walk you through why education matters, strategies to succeed, and how to harness it to prepare for a better future.

‍

Key Concepts for Prison Education

1. Self-Directed Learning 

Education in prison often happens outside a traditional classroom. With limited resources, you must take control of your learning. 

Example: While in solitary, I learned how to think differently by reading about Viktor Frankl, Frederick Douglass, and Socrates. Their lessons allowed me to see my confinement as an opportunity to grow.

‍

2. Structured Goals 

Set clear objectives to organize your time and efforts. Break large goals into manageable steps. 

Example: One of the long-term goals I set required me to earn degrees while I served my sentence, during the first decade. Each day, I studied or wrote, aligning actions with this goal.

3. Grit and Persistence 

The educational path in prison is full of obstacles, from naysayers to logistical challenges. It's crucial for each person to commit, expecting obstacles along the way. They may call it a system of corrections, but at the end of the day, expect to face challenges. Your job is to succeed anyway.

‍

How to Build Your Education Framework

Transforming your time in prison by seizing opportunities to learn.

‍

1. Start Where You Are 

Don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity to learn. Start with what you have. 

• Actionable Tip: Use resources like your prison library or the resources we provide with Prison Professors. Begin with subjects that interest you—whether personal development, a career skill, or a new hobby. 

When I was first incarcerated, I didn’t have access to courses. Still, I read everything available in my solitary cell, from ancient philosophy to histories of abolitionists like Frederick Douglass. These books helped reframe my thinking and showed me that transformation was possible. Regardless of what the system offers, we can always work to: Develop our vocabulary, become better writers, build a self-directed work ethic.

‍

2. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Finding like-minded individuals who value growth is critical. For me, mentors—both inside and outside—were instrumental in my progress. 

• Actionable Tip: Look for structure learning programs, but also participate in self-directed programs. Engineer them. In Earning Freedom, I wrote about the ways that I tried to learn every day. 

Example: Bruce McPherson, a professor from Chicago, mentored me through correspondence, offering encouragement and feedback. His guidance propelled me to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

‍

3. Set Daily Habits 

Big achievements stem from small, consistent actions. 

• Actionable Tip: Dedicate a set time each day to study, just as you would for a job. Whether you're reading economics, a skill manual, or journaling reflections, consistency breeds progress.

By committing to daily habits like writing 1,000 words and working through coursework, I not only earned multiple degrees but also co-authored papers published in peer-reviewed journals. These habits became pillars of discipline and self-worth.

‍

4. Build a Network 

Connecting with people who believe in your growth can open unexpected doors. 

• Actionable Tip: Write letters to university professors, authors, or nonprofit leaders. Share your goals and ask for advice or mentorship. Many people are willing to help if they see your commitment. 

The letters I wrote to scholars like Norval Morris and Joan Petersilia led to lifelong relationships. Their belief in me reinforced my effort and opened avenues I couldn’t have imagined from prison.

‍

5. Memorialize Your Progress 

Documenting your learning creates evidence of your transformation and generates momentum. 

• Actionable Tip: Keep journals to track milestones, reflections, or skills acquired. This also shows potential supporters your dedication.

For me, assembling a portfolio of accomplishments—including coursework, essays, and letters from mentors—became crucial. It demonstrated my growth and commitment, helping universities and advocates see me as someone beyond my past.

‍

6. Focus on Long-Term Impact 

Education in prison isn’t just about earning certificates—it’s about preparing for life after release. 

• Actionable Tip: Choose studies that align with your envisioned future. Whether it’s mastering a trade or earning a degree, every skill learned strengthens your chances of success. 

I tailored my educational path to achieve personal and societal impact. Beyond earning degrees, I dedicated my time to writing books, mentoring others, and mastering financial literacy—all skills that equipped me for success post-release.

‍

Obstacle 1 – Limited Resources 

Prisons often lack funding for robust educational programs. Address this by self-directing your learning through books, correspondence courses, or mentors.

‍

Obstacle 2 – Discouragement from Others 

Many incarcerated individuals face doubt from peers or staff. (I was told to “focus on serving time” countless times.) Stay focused on your long-term vision and lead by example.

‍

Obstacle 3 – Time and Environment 

With unpredictable schedules, consistent studying may seem impossible. Begin with small, manageable learning sessions and build as you adapt.

Whether you're in prison or facing another form of adversity, education is a tool that no system—no circumstance—can take away from you. By investing in learning, you’re making the critical choice to control your narrative and build a future full of opportunities.

During my sentence, education not only helped me achieve personal goals but also became the platform from which I rebuilt my life upon release. Today, I share these lessons because I want others to know that the same transformation is possible for them.

Remember, success isn’t accidental—it’s deliberate. Begin your educational foundation today, and watch how it can reshape the trajectory of your life.

‍

Self-Directed Question 

• What small actions can you take today to begin your educational transformation, regardless of the challenges you face?

‍