KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — State Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, says Michigan has been selected for a federal pilot program that would allow prisoners to gain college credit.
It would give well-behaved inmates with GEDs or high school diplomas access to Pell Grants.
“Over 90 percent of the folks who go to prison come back to the communities they came from,” Proos said. “So, you want to make sure it’s a worthwhile endeavor within those walls so they’re connected to jobs and the needs in our communities.”
Proos led a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing on the matter last week, where he discussed the program’s structure.
“You want to make sure those dollars are spent wisely, but I also want to make sure they’re connected to talent and economic development in our communities,” Proos said. “I want to make sure they’re connected to the jobs that are actually needed.”
The aim is to cut down on recidivism, Proos said. He said it currently costs $34,000 each year to keep an inmate behind bars. The thought is, if the former offender has a job, they’d be less likely to re-offend.
The classes are being offered through Jackson College, Delta College and Mott Community College.
