To what extent can education infiltrate the current rehabilitation process for non-violent offenders through the creation of a new prison system?

 

The United States houses 5% of the world’s population and 25% of the world’s prison population. Today, Detroit is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. 50% of the population are unemployed and 47% functionally illiterate; there is a clear correlation between education and Crime in Detroit. Extensive research has shown investment within the education system in prisons can prevent recidivism by 62%. Academy Retroit is a new concept for prison education, working with both non-violent offenders and non-offenders to provide positive impacts both socially and financially. 

 

This program aims to be a transitional stage which enables offenders to integrate with society in a safe environment and gain vital life and career skills before re-entering the community. Academy Retroit is in partnership with several businesses in the city that will provide scholars with placements upon graduation. Through education and extra curricular activities the school aims to reduce the recidivism rate by 90%.