RBL in Focus

Reading Between the Lines aims to address the impacts of institutional racism and mass incarceration. This scalable, cost-effective approach to reentry and social justice provides participants with a space to enhance their critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills. These skills are invaluable for reengaging with employers, coworkers, family, and friends upon release.

Over 95% of incarcerated people will eventually be released from custody, so it makes sense to invest in their success after release.

Our program complements existing personal and professional development initiatives at correctional facilities, enhancing participants' skill sets and preparing them for success in vocational courses, college courses, substance abuse awareness programs, GED (General Education Diploma) programs, and ABE (Adult Basic Education) programs.

The Challenge

Prison destabilizes communities, cascading trauma to families and neighborhoods. every day finds hundreds of thousands of people in the u.s. locked up pretrial. African Americans are held in state prisons at nearly 5 times the rate of their white counterparts. when released, they often return to communities under-resourced for generations, shutting them out of jobs and housing.

  • Black and Brown people are disproportionately represented in our criminal justice system. For example, black people make up 15% of Illinois residents, but 49% of people in jail and 56% of those in prison. 

  • Less than a third of Illinois prisoners have a high school diploma. 

  • The cost of incarceration for one person per year is nearly $40,000. 

  • The recidivism rate in Illinois within 3 years of release is 43%. 

  • Failure to reduce it will cost taxpayers $13 billion over 5 years.

What Works?

Incarcerated adults' access to education in prison lowers the odds of recidivating by 43% and increases the likelihood of employment by 13%, while saving $5 for every $1 spent.

An Emory University study found that recidivism rates decrease as the level of education increases, with rates of:

  • High school courses: 55%

  • Vocational training: 30%

  • Associate degree: 13.7%

  • Bachelor's degree: 5.6%

  • Master's degree: 0% 

Other research suggests that prison education can also be more effective for people with larger education deficits, and that it can be associated with higher employment rates.