Mary Gates Research Scholar, Winter 2025
Research Project: Computer Science Education within Prisons as a Pathway to Successful Re-entry and Rehabilitation
Project Description: As of 2025, the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with its incarcerated population comprising 25 percent of all incarcerated individuals worldwide. Mass incarceration inflicts the greatest harm on the most vulnerable populations, disproportionately affecting racial and ethnic minorities and creating significant barriers to reintegration into society.
Prison education programs provide critical opportunities for growth that help prevent recidivism and support rehabilitation efforts. With the reinstatement of Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals in 2023, there has never been a better time to expand educational access. However, little research has been done on prison education programs, and even less has focused on enhancing and expanding them to meet the specific needs of incarcerated individuals, particularly in digital literacy.
In a rapidly evolving digital world, it is imperative to ensure that incarcerated people, many of whom have had limited exposure to technology due to long sentences, develop the skills necessary to reenter a digital society with confidence.
This project examines the potential of computer science curricula in correctional facilities to improve rehabilitation outcomes, reduce recidivism, and support existing educational programs in prisons. We analyzed policy statements, performed meta-analyses of previous studies on incarcerated populations, and conducted comprehensive reviews of outcomes from prior prison education programs.
Our findings show that computer science education increases self-efficacy, enhances post-release employment opportunities, and supports smoother transitions back into society. In addition, integrating computer science through improved digital infrastructure can help address challenges in current programs, such as limited accessibility, course availability, and classroom segregation.
This project is one of the first to explore the role of computer science education in prisons and offers valuable insights into its potential to support rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, address the digital divide, and strengthen prison education programs overall.
What have you learned throughout your research project?
I’ve gained three main takeaways from this project.
First, I learned the importance of rehabilitative interventions within prisons. Post-carceral interventions proved to be ineffective due to the complexity of the digital divide and the competing demands individuals face upon release, such as securing employment and housing. Without in-prison interventions, institutions fail to support rehabilitation and undermine their stated goal of deterrence.
Second, I came to understand the importance of intersectional thinking in social impact work and advocacy. Studying a population at the intersection of multiple marginalized communities reveals that their challenges do not stem from a singular issue, but overlapping systems of oppression that collectively restrict opportunity and access. Recognizing multi-dimensionality helps inform socially responsible, justice-centered research.
Finally, I learned that research is not a static answer, but an ongoing, iterative process that is constantly evolving through time. Rather than producing one definitive conclusion immediately, research is a process that requires openness to uncertainty and change.
What piece of advice do you have for future applicants?
Reach out to the Mary Gates Endowment for Students and attend their workshops to learn more about the criteria and application process.