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Education opens doors to opportunities, from career advancement and financial stability to a more hopeful future. For those incarcerated, it empowers students to:
These are important components for successful reentry, reduced recidivism, and self-sufficiency. For many incarcerated individuals, education offers a chance to break cycles and rewrite their story. We are proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to rehabilitation, reentry, and lifelong learning.
Blackstone’s accredited Paralegal Certificate Program provides incarcerated individuals an opportunity to learn about the law and the paralegal field at their own pace and at their facility. The correspondence program does not require computers, internet access, proctors, or onsite instructors. All course materials are provided in soft-covered books to meet the requirements of most correctional institutions.
Students can complete the program in under a year. The Paralegal Certificate Program includes over 900 clock hours of coursework, qualifying graduates to sit for nationally recognized certification exams such as the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP), Professional Paralegal (PP), or the Certified Paralegal (CP®)*. Enrollment can be facilitated through a sponsor, such as a family member, nonprofit organization, or reentry program.
*To sit for the Certified Paralegal (CP®) Exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), individuals must not be currently incarcerated or on any kind of court-imposed supervision for any felony offense. Certification is not mandatory to find employment as a paralegal.
Correctional education has a proven, transformative impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals. Engaging in meaningful learning not only builds practical skills, but also improves mental outlook, self-worth, and motivation. A comprehensive study found that incarcerated individuals who participated in education programs were 43% less likely to return to prison than those who did not*. The same study reported that for every dollar invested in prison education, there is a $4 to $5 return in reduced incarceration costs*.
Education also significantly increases post-release employment opportunities – individuals who received training while incarcerated were 13% more likely to gain employment after release*.
Beyond job readiness, education fosters a sense of purpose, personal agency, and a commitment to change—factors that contribute to healthier reintegration and stronger communities.
*Davis, L. M., Bozick, R., Steele, J. L., Saunders, J., & Miles, J. (2013). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education: A Meta-Analysis of Programs That Provide Education to Incarcerated Adults. RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR266.html
