Back to School:
A Guide to Continuing Your
Education after Prison

Spring 2008
Prisoner Reentry Institute

This guide was prepared under the direction of the Office of Correctional Education of the United States
Department of Education’s Office of Vocational and Adult Education by the Prisoner Reentry Institute at John
Jay College of Criminal Justice. The authors are Anna Crayton and Nicole Lindahl of the Prisoner Reentry
Institute. This guide was prepared under the United States Department of Education Contract No.
ED-06-PO-1807.
The views expressed in this guide are those of the authors. Contents do not necessarily represent the policy
of the United States Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal
Government.
The Prisoner Reentry Institute at John Jay College of Criminal Justice was established in February 2005. Its
mission is to spur innovation and improve practice in the field of reentry by advancing knowledge; translating
research into effective policy and service delivery; and fostering effective partnerships between criminal justice
and non-criminal justice disciplines.
Copyright
Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially,
without permission of the authors or the Federal Government. Please cite as: Crayton, Anna and Nicole
Lindahl. 2007. Back to School: A Guide to Continuing Your Education after Prison. New York, NY: Prisoner
Reentry Institute, John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank John Linton, Carlette Huntley, and Debbie Kalnasy of the Office of Correctional
Education of the United States Department of Education, for their continuous support, and Debbie Mukamal,
Director of the Prisoner Reentry Institute, for her invaluable input and editorial suggestions. We also thank
Jason Hare for his creative direction and graphic design of this guide.
The following individuals contributed significantly to the content of this guide: Lynne Bejoian, Assistant
Professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College; Arthur Clark, Education Specialist at North Carolina
Department of Correction; Gwynne Cunningham, Director of Specialized Programs for the Virginia
Department of Correctional Education; Candy Curl, Reentry Administrator at the Washington State Department
of Corrections; Linda Hollmen, Director of Education for the New York State Department of Correctional
Services; Jeff Mellow, Associate Professor of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice Administration at John
Jay College of Criminal Justice; and Allyson West, Director of the California Reentry Program. Staff of the
Federal TRIO-Educational Talent Search Program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, including Sandy
Alexandre, Feona Chance, Josefina R. Couture, Alex Huezo, and Kris Resurreccion, provided valuable
feedback on tone and format. Staff of the College Initiative at Lehman College, including Charlene Griffin,
Benay Rubenstein, and Cheryl Wilkins, provided information and brokered links to several of the formerly
incarcerated students who share their experiences within the guide. We also thank the students and
graduates of Patten University at San Quentin State Prison who reviewed the guide for accuracy,
comprehensiveness, and clarity: Bobby Evans, Michael Humphrey, Felix Lucero, Truong (Jay) Ly, Jesus Mudo,
Hector Oropeza, Mike Tyler, and Noel Valdivia.
Finally, we offer a special thanks to the following individuals for contributing their personal experience to this
guide: Marvin Calvin, Luis Garcia, Troung (Jay) Ly, Amanda Seerattan, and Dwight Stephenson.
Additional Copies
An electronic version of this guide is available for download at:
http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/publications.asp.

2

Welcome!
By picking up this guide, you have already taken an
important step towards continuing your education.
Going back to school will require hard work and
dedication. The process will be both challenging and
frustrating. But if you stick with it, continuing your
education can bring you tremendous rewards, including:
• The

pride that comes with gaining new skills and knowledge

• The satisfaction of being able to support yourself and your family
• The opportunity to surround yourself with other people who are
expanding their minds, planning for their futures, and working to
improve their lives
• The capacity to set a positive example for your family and friends
	 and become a leader in your community
Earning a General Education Development credential (GED), vocational certificate, or college degree
will make you a better job applicant, increase the amount of money you can earn, and improve your
chances of getting a promotion. Learning new skills, gaining knowledge, and making contacts can
bring new opportunities and help you shape a vision of your future that may have seemed out of reach
before.
But don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at these statistics on earnings and employment from
the U.S. Department of Labor for the year 2006:
		

Unemployment Rate Median Weekly Earnings

	

High School Diploma
Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree

4.3%

$595

3.0%

$721

2.3%

$962

This guide is designed to help you take the first steps towards continuing your
education, whether that means learning English, working towards your GED,
learning an occupation, or building on college credits you have already earned.
Wherever you start, the idea of going back to school can be intimidating. It may
have been years since you set foot in a classroom and you may be worried
about juggling the responsibilities of a job, school, and family.
Throughout the process of going back to school, it is important to
remember you are not alone. In fact, over 18% of adults have not
finished high school or earned a GED and, in the year 2000, over 70%
of college students were financially independent, working full-time, and/
or responsible for a child (according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the
National Center for Education Statistics, respectively).

3

Back to School
I was released from prison after 14 years of incarceration in June
2003. I must admit, I was nervous, excited, anxious, sad, angry,
confused but hopeful. I was all rolled up into one ball of human
emotions. What I felt the most, though, was lost, foreign, even alien.
There was a lot to get used to. Everything seemed new.
After a month of being home, I secured a job with an inventory
company. Around mid-October 2003, I got in contact with a friend
from prison who told me about a college program – The College
Initiative – that was prisoner friendly. He remembered that I
wanted to get a degree and become a social worker, so he
figured that I would be interested.

Name:

Dwight
Stephenson

Age: 37

Educational goal:
Master’s in
Social Work
Date released:
June 2003
Time in community before
going back to school:
4 months

We made plans to go down there together. When I
arrived, my friend wasn’t at the meeting place. So, I had to
go alone. For all my enthusiasm, hope and determination,
I could not bring myself to go inside. I suddenly became
gripped with fear and apprehension. I started to see really
young-looking kids coming in and out and I felt intimidated. For some reason, I
began to doubt myself. I felt I could not match up. I was outside for over an hour trying
to build up enough courage to go inside. Finally, while talking to an ex-girlfriend on a pay
phone, I was able to find the strength to walk inside. Once inside, I saw that I wasn’t alone.
There were other former prisoners looking to “catch up” on life. Some were also pursuing
social work as a profession. Knowing this sort of validated my own goals for me.
College was the beginning of a beautiful new life for me. After graduating from the
Borough of Manhattan Community College with honors and a degree in Human Services,
I am now three semesters away from receiving my undergraduate degree in Social Work
from Lehman College (where I plan to obtain my Master’s). I have also been honored with
being one of 10 students statewide to receive the Belle Zeller Scholarship.
The seeds for my future may have been planted in prison, but education and the
connections I’ve made are what allow my tree to keep growing.

254

The Pathway for
Continuing Your
Education

5

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................
First Things First: How to Use This Guide.............................................
Practical Advice…..…..................................….........………....…..…….................
Internet Basics....…………………………………………….....……….....….…........
Essential Services in Your City or Neighborhood….............…..........

8
8
8
10
12

Public Libraries..…………………….………...........…………….................... 12
One-Stop Career Centers……..…………......…...………………................. 12
Community-Based Organizations...……………........………..……............ 13

Part I: PREPARING TO GO BACK
TO SCHOOL......................................................................................................

Making a Game Plan: Setting Goals….....…………………........................
Setting Yourself Up for Success...…..………………….…...........................

15
15
17

Learning Challenges...……...……..…………………..…….………............... 17
Creating a Learning Environment...…………………..…….………............ 19
Organizing Your Schedule….…...………………………..………................. 19

Gathering Identification and Other Important Documents............

19

Social Security Card........….……………………………………….................
Birth Certificate…..…….....………….………………………….…...................
Rap Sheet/Criminal Record.……....………………………...……….............
GED Certificate/High School Diploma or Transcripts..............…...........
State Identification Card (ID)/Driver’s License.......................…..............
Resume…………....................…………………..........……………….............
Reference Lists and Letters.......………………......………………...............
Selective Service……………………….........................………….................
Student Loan Debt........………………………....................…………...........

20
20
21
21
21
21
22
23
24

Part II: EARNING YOUR GED OR DIPLOMA…...

27
Knowing Where to Start: Educational Assessment...…...…............. 27
Finding Services for Your Skill Level: Adult Basic Education..... 28

The GED Test……..…………..........….…………….................................................
Adult High School Diploma............................................................................

29
30

6

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE
EDUCATION..................................................................................................... 32
Important Considerations and Advice………………............................... 32
Vocational Programs…………………......………….…………………................ 36
Apprenticeships…………….………………………..……………................... 37
Vocational Rehabilitation……..........…………….….………….................... 37
Job Corps…………..…………………………………….…………................. 38

Academic Programs……………………............…………………………............. 38
Community Colleges……………..…….…………………….……................. 38
Four-Year Colleges and Universities…….....…………….……................. 39
Advanced Degrees………………………………………….………............... 40

Transferring Credit.……………………………..............………………................. 40
Money for College.............................................................................................. 41
Applying for Federal Financial Aid……….…………................................. 42
State Financial Aid…………………………………………….….………....... 46
Financial Aid from Individual Colleges and Universities.....…............... 46
Scholarships………………………………………….……………................... 47
Free Resources…………………………………….………………………....... 47

APPENDICES…………………………………………….....…...…....…….......... 51
A) Correspondence Courses………...………………..………........................ 51
B) Sample Website for an Internet Search Engine .......................... 52
C) Sample Resume……………………………………………............……...…...... 53
D) Weekly Schedule………………………………................................................ 54
E) Financial Aid Ban for People with Drug Convictions ............... 55
F) FAFSA Checklist ........................................................................................... 57
G) State Departments of Education, Adult Education
Divisions........................................................................................................... 58

GLOSSARY……............................................................................................... 63

7

First Things First:
How to Use This
Guide
Practical
Advice
Internet Basics

Introduction
This guide walks you through the process of setting educational goals and getting
organized; enrolling in the education program that best suits your needs; and
receiving assistance to pay for college. It also offers practical advice for each step
of the process. It won’t answer all the questions you have about going back to
school, but it will help you get started and point you in the direction of people and
agencies that can provide you with more information and support.

Essential
Services in Your
City or
Neighborhood

First Things First:
How to Use This Guide

Notes:

You will notice that certain words are in bold text. This means that the definition of
the word and more information about it are included in the Glossary on pages
63-66. We will also sometimes refer you to an “Appendix,” which is a section in
the back of the guide that provides you with additional information about some of
the services and issues we discuss throughout the guide.

Key definitions

Accessing information

This guide is intended to be helpful to you while you are in prison and in the
community. Because it is usually not possible to access the Internet when you are
prison and some agencies do not accept collect calls, we have provided
mailing addresses whenever possible. However, many sources of information are
increasingly only available on the Internet. While you are in prison, you can ask
family, friends, or correctional staff to access these resources for you (assuming
the rules of the correctional facility allow it). Otherwise, you may have to wait until
you have been released. If you are not familiar with the Internet, we include some
Internet basics on pages 10-11.

Finding local services

The information included in this guide is intended for use by people in prison
across the United States. It does not include information on services that are
available in a specific state or city. Whenever possible, the guide gives you the
contact information for a resource that will allow you to locate the services in your
area. Also, the person who provided you with this guide may be able to give you
more information on the specific services and organizations that are available in
your state, city or neighborhood.

Practical Advice
In many ways, the process of enrolling in school and applying for financial aid can
be extremely frustrating. You will have to deal with administrative procedures that
are never as efficient or organized as you would like them to be. Much like prison,
you will come across people who should be able to help you, but who won’t have
the time or information you need or will not be willing to go out of their way to help
you. Following are some tips for staying focused, calm, and sane through this
process.

INTRODUCTION

8

First Things First:
How to Use This
Guide
Practical
Advice
Internet Basics
Essential
Services in Your
City or
Neighborhood

Take it slow

The transition from prison to the community can be very stressful. Other needs,
like housing, employment, and health, must come first for you to succeed in
school. You can find more information on where to go to get help with these
issues in on pages 12-13 of this guide.

Ask for help

Seek advice from counselors and other people familiar with the process of going
back to school, but trust your instincts when selecting the right people to
approach. It’s important that you feel comfortable talking with them and that they
have the time and experience to be able to help you.
People who might help you through the process include staff from:
The education department within your correctional facility
Self-help, religious, and other programs within your facility

Notes:

Reentry programs in the community
The financial aid and admissions offices of your local community college

Show your appreciation

One of the best ways to cut through red tape is to get to know the staff of the
offices you have to deal with on a regular basis. Go the extra mile to be friendly
and understanding, even if you are frustrated. And when someone is really helpful
to you, write the person a thank you note.

Make informed decisions

There are many service providers that take advantage of people who don’t take
the time to fully research their options when it comes to selecting schools and
receiving financial aid. These programs could end up costing you a lot of money
while providing you with lower quality services. For these reasons, it is essential
that you take your time to find out as much as you can before making important
decisions. Throughout this guide, we will point out the issues and topics that are
especially important to research to make a smart decision.

Create a portfolio for important documents

Keeping track of the information and documents related to your education will
save you time and frustration. Use a large envelope or folder to store all the
important documents that relate to your education. These documents include
information you will need to provide multiple times to enroll in school and receive
financial aid. When we mention important documents in the guide, we will
remind you to store a copy in your portfolio.

If you have some time before your release…

If you have at least two years before your release from prison and have a GED or
high school diploma, enrolling in college courses is an excellent use of your time.
If college courses are not provided at your facility, you can look into taking
correspondence courses. For more information on correspondence courses, see
Appendix A.

INTRODUCTION

9

First Things First:
How to Use This
Guide

Internet Basics

Practical
Advice

To visit a website, you must use a computer that is connected to the Internet. You
can access the Internet for free at your local public library. Also, many public
libraries and One-Stop Career Centers provide free classes on how to use the
Internet. Information on locating libraries and One-Stops is included on pages
12-13.

Internet Basics
Essential
Services in Your
City or
Neighborhood

Accessing the Internet

Important Definitions
Online: A term often used to describe activities related to the Internet. For
example, if information is available on the Internet, you can say the information is
“available online.” Accessing the Internet is often called “going online.”
Desktop: Refers to the computer screen when the computer is turned on. The
start menu and computer programs can be accessed from the computer desktop.

Notes:

Icon: A symbol that appears on the desktop and represents a computer program.
Here is the icon for Microsoft Word:
Word is the most common computer
program for writing documents such as papers, resumes, and letters.
Click: Computers have a feature, called a “mouse,” that allows you to direct an
arrow that appears on the computer screen and click on icons by pressing a
button on the mouse. You can open programs on the desktop by directing the
arrow to the icons and double-clicking the button. When using the Internet, you
can click on words and pictures which will take you to another webpage.

Visiting a specific website

To view a website on the Internet, you use a computer program called a “web
browser.” Some of the most common web browsers are Netscape, Internet
Explorer, Safari and Firefox.
On the desktop of the computer, there will be an icon for one of the web
browsers mentioned above. Click on the icon to open the program.
When the web browser opens, there will be an “address bar” that is
located at the top of the screen. Here, you type in the web address and then
hit the return key. Web addresses begin with “http://www.” For example, the
web address for USA Today newspaper is: http://www.usatoday.com.
The website will appear after a few seconds.

Searching the Internet

If you don’t know the web address for the website that contains the information
you are looking for, you can search for the information by using a “search engine.”
The most common search engines are Google, Yahoo! and MSN Search.
Type one of the following web addresses into the address bar:
Google: http://www.google.com
Yahoo!: http://www.yahoo.com
MSN Search: http://www.msn.com

INTRODUCTION

10

First Things First:
How to Use This
Guide
Practical
Advice
Internet Basics
Essential
Services in Your
City or
Neighborhood

Notes:

Once the website for the search engine appears, type a keyword that
describes what you are looking for into the space provided and click on
“search.” For example, if you want to find out information on the GED test,
type “GED test” into the space provided. If you want to identify locations
where you can take a GED test in your area, include the name of your city,
such as “GED test Nashville.”
The search engine will provide you with a list of websites related to your
search. Look through the list and click on the website that gives you the most
useful information. See Appendix B for an example of a search page.

Important Tips
The websites provided in this guide are underlined. If you are looking at this
guide on a computer that is connected to the Internet, you can click on the web
address and the website will appear on your screen. Note that you do not need
to underline the web addresses when typing them into the address bar.
Websites and web addresses can change frequently. If you type in a web
address and it doesn’t take you to the website you want to visit, try doing a
search for the website instead. Searching is usually the best way to find the
websites and information for which you are looking.

Email: Sending and receiving messages

The Internet also allows you to send and receive messages through an email
account. Email has become one of the most common and convenient ways of
communicating for people in school. Your instructors might email you homework
assignments and changes in class schedule. Also, school administrators may use
email to send you information about your enrollment and financial aid. Several
websites provide email accounts for free, including Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo!.
Type one of the following web addresses into the address bar and then hit the 	
return key:
o Gmail: http://www.gmail.com
o Hotmail: http://www.hotmail.com
o Yahoo!: http://www.yahoo.com
Click on “sign up” and follow the instructions provided.

Important Tips
When you sign up for an email account, you will be asked to provide some
information about yourself, including your name and zip code.
You will also have to create a “user name” and password. Make sure to select
words and numbers that are easy to remember. Write down your user name and
password and keep them in your portfolio. Each time you check your email, you
will have to provide both of them.
Note that your user name will appear in your email address. Because you will
provide your email address to potential employers and schools, choose a simple,
professional user name that projects a positive image.

INTRODUCTION

11

First Things First:
How to Use This
Guide
Practical
Advice
Internet Basics
Essential
Services in Your
City or
Neighborhood

Notes:

Essential Services in Your City or
Neighborhood
Getting and keeping a job and staying healthy are essential as you continue your
education. Sometimes, these issues need to be addressed before you can start
working toward a GED, high school diploma, or higher education degree. Below is
information on resources available in your community that provide free or low cost
information on important issues you may face during your transition home.

Important Tip
Several websites provide maps and directions to a specific address in your
community. Once you’ve identified services in your area, these websites can
help you get where you need to go. The following websites locate addresses and
provide maps and directions for most communities in the United States:
o Google: www.maps.google.com
o Mapquest: www.mapquest.com
o Hopstop: www.hopstop.com

Public libraries

Your local public library is an excellent resource as you begin to locate services in
your community, search for a job and/or continue your education.

Services
Free access to computers and the Internet
Governmental forms
Literacy services and resources
Librarians who can help you find other information you might need

Cost: Free
How to find public libraries
Look up the terms “library” or “public library” in the city government section of
your local phonebook.
Go to: http://nces.ed.gov
o Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “School/Library Search”

One-Stop Career Centers

One-Stop Career Centers are excellent resources providing many services to help
you find and prepare for jobs in one centralized location. One-Stops have
replaced Employment Offices and Employment Security Commissions in most
communities. One-Stops are a useful resource because they provide information
on jobs available in your community. One-Stops also provide links to training,
apprenticeships, and degree or certificate programs that prepare you for the job
you want. To find out more about One-Stops, go to: http://www.careeronestop.org.

Services
Assessment: Staff can help identify the skills you have gained through
previous work experience and the skill areas in which you need training.

INTRODUCTION

12

First Things First:
How to Use This
Guide
Practical
Advice
Internet Basics
Essential
Services in Your
City or
Neighborhood

Career counseling: Workshops and counselors will help you identify which
jobs and occupations are right for you given your skills and interests and the
types of jobs that exist in your area.
Training or referral to training:
o Hard skills (the skills you need to get and keep a job in a particular field)
o Soft skills (such as communication and leadership skills)
o Resume writing
o Preparing for interviews
Referrals to other resources:
o Education programs
o Unemployment insurance
o Child care
o Welfare programs
o Transportation
o Veterans services

Cost: Most services are free. Some specialized services may require a fee.
How to find One-Stop Career Centers

Notes:

To locate One-Stops in your community, go to: http://www.servicelocator.org or
call 1-877-348-0502.
For a map of the One-Stops in each state, go to: http://www.dol.gov.
o Under “Topics,” click “More”
o Click “Training”
o Click “Clickable Map of One-Stop Centers’ Websites”

Community-based organizations
Services: Community-based organizations meet many different kinds of
needs. Some provide case management and information and services related to:
Employment
Substance abuse treatment
Education

Housing

Health care

Transportation

Counseling

Child care

Cost: Usually free, though some may charge fees for specialized services.
How to find community-based organizations:
The National Information Referral System is a great way to identify services
that exist in your area. Go to: http://www.211.org or dial 211 on your telephone.
Note that this service has not yet been fully implemented in all states.
Some community-based organizations specialize in providing services to
people with criminal records. A list of some of these organizations is available
on the National H.I.R.E. Network’s website: http://www.hirenetwork.org.
Click on “Resources and Assistance”
Click on your state
Click on “Local Service Providers”
Goodwill Industries International is one example of a large non-profit
organization with locations in many communities. Goodwill Industries
provides a number of employment and educational services. To find your
local Goodwill, go to: http://www.goodwill.org and click on “Job Seekers” or call
1-800-741-0186.

INTRODUCTION

13

Adjusting to School
Life
Why did you decide to continue your education?
After doing 10 years in prison and drugs for three years before that, no one
was going to give me a decent job, and I did not want to return to prison.
Instead of remembering those prison numbers, I decided to replace them
with Marvin R. Calvin, M.S.W.

What were your goals when you started
your education?
My goal was to earn an Associate’s degree in Behavioral
Science.

Name:

Marvin
Calvin

Age: 50
Educational goal:
Master’s in
Social Work

Date released:
July 2005
Time in
community before going back
to school: 6 months

Have your goals changed as you’ve
continued your education?

I began to like school and decided to obtain a Master’s degree. Also, I found that with my job, I
could not move any higher than an assistant case manager. In order to become a case manager, I
needed to have at least an Associate’s degree. And if I want to make any real money, I must obtain a
Master’s degree.

What obstacles did you face when you returned to school?

I wanted to quit the first day the professor asked me to write an essay. My writing was so terrible.
Nonetheless, I did it, and when the professor gave it back to me, I thought he painted the paper red. I am still
not where I want to be; however, I am still learning and writing is becoming easier. I knew that once I was able
to write well and articulate my ideas, the world would be mine.
Also, in the beginning, finding time to study was very hard for me. My time management was completely off. I
sought help from one of my professors and he told me how he made the time to study. He would study going
to work and coming home, and sometimes on his lunch break. When I added this time up for me, it gave me
at least three hours a day of studying. Then, instead of going home right after class, I would give myself at
least one hour of study time in the school library. Now I have at least four hours of study time a day which is a
great benefit to me. For two consecutive semesters I made the Dean’s List.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about
pursuing an education?

The benefits of an education are beyond measure. Not only can you attain your dreams but you can have fun
doing it. My advice to anyone returning to school is to not be afraid. There are people around ready and
willing to help. You do not have to do it by yourself. Find a positive support group and you will do just fine.

2514

Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals
Setting Yourself
Up for Success
Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

PART I: PREPARING TO GO
BACK TO SCHOOL
As Marvin describes, staying on task while working, going to school, and
supporting your family can be a challenge. The key is to be prepared and go
through the process with your eyes open:
Set clear and achievable goals
Gather the documents that will help you enroll in school
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses as a learner
Be disciplined with your schedule

Notes:

Making a Game Plan: Setting
Goals
Where would you like to see yourself in five years? Developing a clear vision for
your future will help you set educational goals and stay focused. Your goals may
change during the process of going back to school. However, setting goals ahead
of time can save you time and money and will help you stay motivated. Here are
some practical steps to help you create a vision and set educational goals.

Step 1: Create a list of the jobs you might
want
To identify jobs you might enjoy and succeed in, ask yourself these questions:
What skills, training, and job experience do you already have?
What sorts of activities do you enjoy? For example, do you spend your free
time talking with other people, building things, playing sports, reading and
writing, or doing something else?
What are you good at?
If you are good at sports or dance, you might consider a career as a
personal trainer, athletic coach, or dance teacher.
If you like to be outside and get your hands dirty, you might become a
landscaper, house painter, mechanic, or construction worker.
If you are an artist, you could be a draftsman or graphic designer.
If you like interacting with other people and giving them advice, you might
be a good teacher, substance abuse counselor, or social worker.
If you have good ideas and business sense, you might consider starting a
business.

Important Tips
A great resource for exploring potential career paths is the book, What Color is
Your Parachute? This and other career guidebooks may be available at the
public library or the library in your correctional facility. See page 12 for
information on locating your local library.
Another tool for determining which occupations might be right for you is an
“interest inventory.” These tools are often available at One-Stop Career Centers
and on the Internet. See page 12 for information on finding your local One-Stop.

Part I: PREPARING TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL

15

Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals

Step 2: Determine if the jobs on your list are
open to people with criminal records

Setting Yourself
Up for Success

People with criminal records are sometimes restricted from working in certain jobs
and occupations. These restrictions vary from state to state. A few states issue
Certificates of Rehabilitation or offer other ways to lift these employment
restrictions. Here are some resources about employment issues for people with
criminal records:
If you are in prison, check with you facility’s education department or your
counselor or case manager.
To find information on the employment restrictions in your state, go to the
National Association of Attorneys General’s website at: http://www.naag.org and
click on “The Attorneys General” to find the contact information for the Attorney
General’s Office in your state. In some states, this information will instead be
listed on the website of the state Department of Licensing and Regulation or
Division on Licensing Services.
A summary of state laws related to loss of rights due to a felony conviction and 	
the process of restoring those rights, pardon/expungement information, and
contact information for corresponding agencies is available in a report called 	
Relief from the Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction: A State-ByState Resource Guide. Go to:
http://sentencingproject.org/PublicationDetails.aspx?PublicationID=486.
Information on laws related to employment barriers for people with criminal
records and contact information for each state’s attorney general’s office is
available at the National H.I.R.E. Network’s website. Go to:
http://www.hirenetwork.org and click on “Resources & Assistance.”
A state-by-state overview of legal barriers facing people with criminal records in
all 50 states is available in a report called After Prison: Roadblocks to Reentry.
Go to: http://www.lac.org
Click “Free Publications”
Click “Criminal Justice”
Click “After Prison: Roadblocks to Reentry”
Click “What’s the Law”

Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

Notes:

Important Warning
Educate yourself about the employment restrictions and other related options in your
state. Otherwise, you could end up spending time and money on an educational
program only to find out that your criminal record prevents you from working or
getting a permit or license in that profession.

Step 3: Find out as much as you can about
the jobs remaining on your list

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource that provides
comprehensive information on different kinds of jobs in a wide variety of industries.

Information provided:
Training and education needed
Earnings

Typical activities and
responsibilities

The expected demand for workers in the field

Working conditions

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Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals
Setting Yourself
Up for Success
Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

Notes:

How to find it
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is revised every two years. As of the writing
of this document, the most recent edition is called Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2006 – 2007 Edition. It is available online or in printed form.
The U.S. Department of Labor provides access to the information
contained in the handbook at: http://www.bls.gov/oco.
Check for the handbook at your public library, One-Stop Career Center,
or the library of your correctional facility. See page 12 for information on
finding your local library and One-Stop.

Step 4: Set your educational goals
Once you have decided which job(s) from your list you would like to pursue, use
the information in the Occupational Outlook Handbook to determine what degree
or certificate you need. This information will identify the next step on your
educational path. For example, if you decide to do an apprenticeship to become
an electrician, you may need to earn a GED to apply to an apprenticeship
program. More information about the requirements for vocational and academic
college programs is included later in this guide, on pages 36-40.

Setting Yourself Up for Success
Learning challenges

Each of us experiences certain challenges to learning. Figuring out what is
difficult for you will allow you to focus on improving in those areas. It will also help
you develop learning strategies and ask for what you need to address your
challenges. Many people experience difficulties when learning, called learning
differences. Learning differences - also known as learning disabilities - are
challenges you can learn to live with by developing a combination of strategies
to help you in the classroom and when doing homework. This process may take
a while, and the strategies you develop may need to be adjusted as you move
further in your education and tackle more complex material.

Educating yourself about learning differences
Learning as much as you can about your learning differences will help you create
strategies for coping with them. Here is a list of some of the most common
learning differences:
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): difficulty controlling
behavior and paying attention
Dyslexia: difficulty understanding written words
Dyscalculia: difficulty solving math problems and understanding
mathematical concepts
More information on learning differences is available at the
following websites:
Comprehensive information and resources related to learning differences
is provided by the Learning Disabilities Association of America at:
http://www.ldanatl.org.
Information on learning styles and the challenges that face people with
learning differences is available at: http://www.ldpride.net.

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Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals
Setting Yourself
Up for Success
Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

Comprehensive information on learning differences, particularly ADHD, is
available at: http://www.ldonline.org.
Many successful people have overcome learning differences to achieve their
goals. A few famous examples are:
Tommy Hilfiger, the fashion designer
Dexter Scott King, son of Martin Luther King, Jr. and President and CEO
of The King Center
Charles Schwab, founder and CEO of the Charles Schwab Corporation

Getting assessed
Notes:

If you believe you have a learning difference, a qualified professional can provide
you with an assessment. This process will give you more information about your
learning difference and may qualify you for certain educational and testing
accommodations (see lists on page 18-19). Even if you have been assessed in
the past, it’s a good idea to research current information about your learning
difference since our understanding of these issues is constantly improving.
How to find agencies that provide assessment:
Search for the student services division of your local community college at the
American Association of Community Colleges’ website. Go to:
http://www.aacc.nche.edu and scroll down to the heading “Find your 	
	
Community College.”
Search for Vocational Rehabilitation offices in your state at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu.
Click on “Small Business and Self Employment” at the bottom of the 	
page
Click “Resources for Small Businesses and Self-Employment”
Click on “State Vocational Rehabilitation Offices”
Search for local literacy and adult education centers at your local public
library. See page 12 for information on finding your local library.
Search for your local community mental health office with the National Mental
Health Locator. Go to: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov and click on “Service
Locator” on the right hand side of the page.
Search on the Internet using terms like “learning disability assessment.” Be
sure to include the name of your city or neighborhood as a search term.

Receiving a diagnosis
Once you have been assessed, you will receive a diagnosis. The professional
who provides your diagnosis should explain the diagnosis, tell you which support
services you are eligible for, and offer recommendations for appropriate
employment and education paths. Keep your diagnosis and any additional
paperwork in your portfolio.

Accommodations
Education programs often provide support and special help if you have a
diagnosed learning difference. For standardized tests such as the GED, testing
conditions may be modified to support you. To find out if you are able to receive
accommodations and support for your learning difference, talk to the staff at your
education program or testing center.

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Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals
Setting Yourself
Up for Success
Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

Testing accommodations might include:
Audiocassette edition of the test
Use of a calculator
Large print edition

Supervised frequent breaks

Use of a scribe

Use of a private room for testing

Extended time
Other types of support might include:
Intake assessments
Referrals to resources and information
Counseling/advising

Reading and writing support

Registration assistance

Notes:

Creating a learning environment

Before you enroll in school, set up a space where you will be able to store the
books and materials related to your education and do your homework. This space
should allow you to spread out your books and papers so you can do your work
comfortably. It should also be in a place that will allow you to focus on your work
without distractions. For example, if you learn better in a quiet environment, the
space should be away from the television, radio, and other people. If you don’t
have room in your home to create a learning environment, consider studying at
the public library, a coffee shop, or in the designated study areas of your school.

Organizing your schedule

It can be very difficult to find time to study when you are going to school,
working, and taking care of other responsibilities all at the same time. Organizing
your schedule ahead of time will help you feel prepared for your work, instead of
overwhelmed by it.
Map out your weekly schedule using the sheet provided in Appendix D. If
possible, make several copies first in case you make a mistake or your
schedule changes.
Identify blocks of free time and write in “study time” or “homework” so that you
set aside time to complete your work. Reserve blocks of time that are
consistent with the amount of time you can usually stay focused. For
example, if you have a hard time focusing for long periods of time, identify
small blocks of 20 minutes or so. Also, if you know that you study better in
the morning, reserve time in the beginning of the day to study.

Gathering Identification and
Other Important Documents
Several documents are important to have in hand as you continue your
education, apply for jobs, and access other services. These documents include:
Social security card
State identification card (ID)/driver’s license
Birth certificate

Resume

Rap sheet/criminal record

References lists and letters

GED certificate/high school
diploma or transcripts

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Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals
Setting Yourself
Up for Success
Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

Notes:

Important Tips
As you apply for and receive these documents, remember to keep copies of the
applications and documents in your portfolio.
Getting some of these documents will require that you pay a fee. This fee will
vary depending on the document and the state or agency that issues it. It is
always a good idea to ask if the fees for these documents can be waived if your
income is below a certain level.
If you are in prison, you might not be permitted to keep some documents with
you. You can ask your counselor or case manager to receive the documents in
the mail and keep them in your file until you are released. Be sure to let your
counselor or case manager know that you are applying for these documents so
they know to put them in your file when the documents arrive.
You might have gone by different names at different points in your life or have
had an alias. It is important that you use the name that appears on your birth
certificate when completing all forms and applications.

Social security card

Your social security number is required to access services and apply for jobs,
education programs, and financial aid. Social security cards are free.
If you are in prison, talk to your counselor or case manager about getting
your social security card. The U.S. Social Security Administration will not
accept an application directly from a person in prison so you must have a
corrections staff member help you.
If you are no longer in prison, fill out a SS-5 form.
To request a form, call the U.S. Social Security Administration at
1-800-772-1213.
You will need to show proof of identification such as a driver’s license,
passport, marriage or divorce record or a certification from the prison.
Mail the completed form with a copy of your identification to
your local social security office. You can get the address for your
local social security office when you call and request a form or go
online. Go to: http://www.ssa.gov and click “Find a Social Security
office.”

Birth certificate

Your birth certificate will be helpful when you are trying to obtain other forms of
identification, like a state identification (ID) card or driver’s license, after your
release. A fee is required to get an official copy of your birth certificate and it
varies by state.
Write a request to the Bureau of Vital Records in the state where you were
born. Note that the name of this office may vary slightly from state to state.
In some states it is called the Office of Vital Records, the Division of Vital
Statistics, or something similar.
In your request, include the name on the certificate, your date of birth, the
city and county where you were born, and your mother’s full maiden name.
You should also include your father’s full name if it appeared on the original
certificate.
You will also have to include proof of identification. You can usually use a
prison ID and documentation of the prison address.

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Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals
Setting Yourself
Up for Success
Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

Notes:

Rap sheet/criminal record

Getting a copy of your state rap sheet/criminal record history will allow you to
make sure the information on it is correct. Also, if details of the offense(s) should
have been sealed or expunged, you can make sure the information is not
available. It is important that this information is accurate because employers and
landlords will see it if they conduct a criminal background check. It is also
important because some colleges have started conducting criminal background
checks as part of the application process.
If you are in prison, visit the facility law library to learn more about the
procedures for getting a copy of your state rap sheet/criminal record history.
Law libraries may have fee waiver forms.
If you are no longer in prison, you can identify where to get a copy of your rap
sheet/criminal record by visiting the National H.I.R.E. Network’s website at:
http://www.hirenetwork.org.
Click on “Resources & Assistance”
Click on your state
The contact information for a number of resources in your state will
appear. Locate the agency listed under “Criminal Record Repository.”

GED certificate/high school diploma or
transcripts

Copies of your diploma, GED, or transcripts will be important when applying to
education programs and for jobs. If you are in prison, staff of the education
department at your facility may be able to help you get these documents.
If you graduated from high school, contact the central office of the school
district where your high school is located.
If you earned your GED, contact the GED office where you took the GED test.

State identification card (ID)/driver’s license
In some states you will not be able to get a state ID card, including a driver’s
license, while you are in prison. Procedures for which forms of identification are
required and how to apply for a state ID vary from state to state.
If you are in prison, check with your counselor or case manager to find out the
best way to get a state ID or driver’s license.
If you are no longer in prison, go to the state agency responsible for
issuing driver’s licenses or visit its website for more information. Typically,
this agency is called the Division or Department of Motor Vehicles,
Department of Transportation, or Department of Public Safety.
Search the Internet using terms like “Department of Motor Vehicles”
and “Department of Transportation.” Be sure to include the name of
your state as a search term. The state website usually includes a
directory of local offices.

Resume

A resume is a document that tells people about your education and work
experience. Your resume will be a useful tool in applying for jobs and to colleges.

Include the following information in your resume
Your full contact information including phone number and email address.
We recommend using an address outside of the correctional facility.

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Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals

Your education experience
Licenses and certifications you hold

Setting Yourself
Up for Success

Work experience

Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

References

Volunteer/community leadership experience
Related skills/hobbies

Important Tips
To give you an idea of what a resume should look like, we have provided an
example in Appendix C.

Notes:

Guidebooks on developing resumes and applying for jobs will provide more
detailed information on creating a resume and additional examples. If you are in
prison, check your facility’s library and education department for these
guidebooks. These resource guides will also be available at the public library.
See page 12 for information on locating your local library.
One-Stop Career Centers and libraries may have computer programs called
“resume builders” to help you create a resume easily. See page 12 for
information on locating your local library and One-Stop.
We advise that you include work experience gained in prison in your resume. The
sample resume in Appendix C shows you one way of describing it.
Once you have completed the first draft of your resume, ask someone you trust
to review it and give you feedback on the format and text, including spelling and
grammar. This person should have experience working in a professional
environment. Because your resume is the first impression an employer will have
of you, it is very important that it not include mistakes.

Reference lists and letters

When you apply for a job or to a college program, you may be asked to include
the names of up to three “references.” References are people who can speak
positively about your skills, abilities, and interests. A common way to provide
references is to create a list of names, titles, and contact information (telephone
number and email address). In some situations, you may also be asked to have
your references provide letters of recommendation.

Important Tips
Your references should be people who know you well. Typically, these people
are former employers, teachers, or mentors. If you are in prison, academic or
vocational instructors, work supervisors, religious leaders, and volunteers are
examples of people who could serve as your references.
Family members should not be used as references.
You should always ask permission before listing someone as a reference.
If you need to have your references write letters of recommendation, you should
ask for them several weeks before they are needed. Be sure to provide your
references with information about the program to which you are applying and the
address where the letter should be sent.

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Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals
Setting Yourself
Up for Success

Selective Service (males only)

If you are between the ages of 18 and 25 and live in the United States, you are
required to register for Selective Service. The Federal Government uses
Selective Service registration to draft individuals for military service.

Important Tips

Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

You can verify your registration by going to: http://www.sss.gov or calling
1-847-688-6888.
If you did not register with Selective Service and are now over the age of 25, you 	
may be barred from receiving certain federal or state programs and benefits,
including federal financial aid. Information on appealing these bars to federal
programs and benefits is included on pages 23-24.

Notes:

If you did not register for Selective Service, are in prison, and are under the age
of 26, you may have to wait until you are released to register for Selective
Service or appeal the bar to accessing federal programs and benefits. Because
the Selective Service System does not have a standard policy for people who
are in prison, your best option is to write the Selective Service System office to
explain your situation and ask for guidance:

	
	

Selective Service System
Registration Information Office
P.O. Box 94638
Palatine, IL 60094-4638

Registering for Selective Service
Registering for Selective Service is easy and can be done in a number of ways.
Using the Internet:
Go to: http://www.sss.gov
Click “Register Now”
Complete the form that appears on the next page
Click “Submit Registration”
By mail:
Pick up a “mail back form” from your local post office
Complete the card and mail it to:
	
	
	
	

Selective Service System
Registration Information Office
P.O. Box 94638
Palatine, IL 60094-4638

On the FASFA:
You can register for Selective Service if you are applying for federal financial aid.
Simply check “yes” for question number 29. The U.S. Department of Education
will provide your information to the Selective Service System. For detailed
information about filling out a FASFA, see pages 42-46.

If you didn’t register
If you did not register for Selective Service and are over the age of 25, you may be

Part I: PREPARING TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL

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Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals
Setting Yourself
Up for Success

able to go through an appeals process to maintain your ability to access federal
programs and benefits, including financial assistance. You can also request an
application for appeal over the Internet or by written request.
Using the Internet:
Go to: http://www.sss.gov

Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

Notes:

From the drop down menu, select “Request for Status Information
Letter.” You will be required to attach documentation that proves you
were in prison during the time when you should have registered for
Selective Service. Your prison release papers can serve as
acceptable documentation.
	
Written requests:
Mail a written request to:
Selective Service System
P.O. Box 94638
Palatine, IL 60094-4638
Ask for a “Status Information” letter. You will have to describe in detail the
circumstances that prevented you from registering and provide copies of
documents showing any periods when you were hospitalized,
institutionalized, or incarcerated between your 18th and 26th birthdays. Your
prison release papers can serve as acceptable documentation.
	

Student loan debt

Part III of this guide provides detailed information on how to access grants and
student loans. If you already had student loans before you went to prison and
have not been paying them, there are several things you can do to address your
outstanding student loan(s):
Find out if you have an outstanding student loan or how much you owe on a
loan:
Contact the U.S. Department of Education by calling 1-800-621-3115.
You will be asked to provide your social security number. The
Department of Education can tell you who is holding the loan, how
much you owe, and the address and phone number of the holder of
the loan.
Your Student Aid Report (SAR) also provides information on
whether you have outstanding loans and who is holding them. See
page 46 for more information about the SAR and how to obtain it.
Contact the holder of the loan. If you are still in prison, you can ask a
family member, counselor or case manager, or another person to get
information about your loan. To do this, you will need to write a letter
giving that person permission to speak to the agency holding your loan. This
letter must be notarized and sent to the loan holder.
Once you or a designated person have contacted the loan holder, tell the
loan holder you would like to set up a payment plan to get out of debt.

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Making a Game
Plan: Setting Goals
Setting Yourself
Up for Success
Gathering
Identification and
Other Important
Documents

Notes:

Important Tips
The minimum amount you have to pay each month for your loan depends on
the type of loan. For example, a Federal Perkins Loan requires that you pay
a minimum of $40 per month, while a direct loan usually requires a minimum of
$50. However, the holders of your loan are generally looking for consistency of
payment, not the amount that you are able to pay. It is essential that you make a
payment each month, even if you only pay the minimum amount.
To be eligible to receive financial aid again, you do not have to pay off your old
loans completely. Usually once you have made six payments in a row (small or
large), you can be considered for re-certification. From the moment you start
making monthly payments you may be re-certified and able to apply for new
loans in approximately nine months.
Contact your loan holder to explain why you have not been paying back your
loan. Telling them that you are or were in prison will not decrease the amount of
money you owe, but it lets them know you are aware of the loan and are planning
to repay it.
If you also owe child support, fines, court costs, restitution, or other loans, be
sure to figure your student loan repayment into your other debts so you have
enough income to support yourself. Keep in mind that some lenders may require
that you address existing debt before providing you with student loans, especially
if you owe a significant amount of money. The following sources can help you
address other financial obligations:
Community-based organizations: See page 13 for information on
identifying community-based organizations in your city or neighborhood.
Local legal services offices: Search on the internet using terms like
“legal services office” or “legal services provider.” Be sure to include the
name of your city or neighborhood as a search term.

Part I: PREPARING TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL

25

Making Use of a
GED

Name:

Age: 22

Educational goal:
Obtain a Master’s
degree and pursue a
Ph.D.

Why did you decide to continue your education?
By the age of 16, I was a runaway, selling drugs and hustling to survive. I
dropped out of high school and moved to the upstate area. I started to
see that my friends had jobs during the summer and their parents were
so proud of them. So I went and applied for jobs at the mall, but no
one would hire me. Until one day a woman told me the reason why I
wasn’t hired yet. She said, “Amanda, you need to have that diploma
to do anything girl!”

Amanda
Seerattan

Date released:
October 2006
Time in community
before going back to school:
9 months

In October of 2005 I took and passed the GED. However, my
past caught up to me and unfortunately less than two months
after receiving my GED, I was incarcerated, looking at a sentence of two to six years.

What are your educational goals?

At the age of 20 I was a convicted felon with a charge of criminal sale of a controlled substance. I was
sent to an alternative-to-prison military boot camp as a first time offender. While there, I was always asked
how to handle personal situations with other inmates and I enjoyed giving the advice. It was like an epiphany!
Upon completion, I wanted a career in social work, and it wasn’t going to stop there. I wanted to have my own
business, become a director and run my own non-profit organization.

How has earning a GED helped you achieve your goals?

With my release from prison, I was ready to use my GED to further my education and start my career in social
work. So far it has been a challenge, primarily because I didn’t know where to get a copy of my GED. That’s
when I started to seek out agencies that could help me with my employment issues. I was chatting with a
friend and he told me about The Doe Fund. After I was accepted into the program in March of 2007, I was
assigned a case manager who has helped me get on the right path towards college with advice on higher
educational options. I will be starting college in the fall.

What challenges have you experienced in pursuing your education?
The application process was a little frustrating, but it taught me a great deal about patience. So it was a
challenge, but nothing that you can’t overcome. My educational advisor assisted me in filling out the
application. This helped me see a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.

I am not going to say that things have been easy because without the help of my case manager and all the
other staff at The Doe Fund I don’t know where I would be today. Some of my old friends who have been in
the streets are still there or dead or sick. I can’t save them but I can lead by example.

26

Knowing Where to
Start:
Educational
Assessment
Finding Services
for Your Skill
Level: Adult Basic
Education
The GED Test
Adult High School
Diploma

Notes:

PART II: EARNING YOUR GED
OR DIPLOMA
Did you know...
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a high school graduate earns about
$9,000 more per year on average than a person without a diploma.
A General Education Development credential (GED) or high school diploma
can open the door to new educational opportunities and increase the amount of
money you bring home. If you have already earned credits towards a high school
diploma, it probably makes sense to work towards the diploma rather than the
GED. If you haven’t earned many high school credits, earning a GED is probably
a better option. Also, some community colleges offer dual enrollment programs,
which allow you to earn college credit while also earning credits towards your high
school diploma or working on your GED. To find out if the community college in
your area provides a dual enrollment program, contact the admissions office.
If you didn’t complete a basic education, high school diploma, or GED program
while in prison, many educational opportunities are still available to you. This
section will direct you to resources that can help you earn a high school diploma
or GED after you are released. Many of them are available free of charge.
In Appendix G you will find a list of contact information for state Departments of
Education. These departments will be will be able to provide you with information
specific to your state on the topics included in this section.

Knowing Where to Start:
Educational Assessment
The first step on the path to earning your GED or diploma is identifying which skills
you need to improve. Otherwise, you could end up taking a class that covers
topics you have already learned, or you could spend time and money taking the
GED test without being fully prepared.

Getting assessed

Many agencies can help you identify your skill level by providing an educational
assessment. Some organizations will ask you questions on intake forms or in an
interview. Others will ask you to take a placement test. These assessments are
designed to identify your basic skill level in the areas of reading, English and math.

Important Tips
If you are still incarcerated and are enrolled in a GED course, check with your
GED instructor to see if you can get a “progress report” prior to your release.
This progress report will tell you where you are in your GED preparation and help
you figure out what services you need to access after you are released.
Keep your progress report and all information related to your educational
assessment in your portfolio.

Part II: EARNING YOUR GED OR DIPLOMA 27

Knowing Where to
Start:
Educational
Assessment
Finding Services
for Your Skill
Level: Adult Basic
Education
The GED Test
Adult High School
Diploma

Notes:

How to find agencies that provide assessments:
Search for your local community college at the American Association of
Community Colleges’ website. Go to: http://www.aacc.nche.edu and
scroll down to the heading “Find Your Community College.”
Find community-based organizations using the information on page 13.
The public library in your area provides information on the local
organizations and agencies providing educational assessment. See page
12 for information on finding your local library.
Search on the Internet using terms like “educational assessment” and
“placement testing.” Be sure to include the name of your city or
neighborhood as a search term.

Preparing for placement tests

If you are interested in preparing for placement tests, the following are common
tests used to measure basic skill level for adults. Books and materials to help you
prepare for these tests may be available at the library or education department at
your correctional facility. They are also available in public libraries and
bookstores.
TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education)
ABLE (Adult Basic Learning Exam)
CASES (Comprehensive Student Assessment System)
AMES (Adult Measure of Essential Skills)

Finding Services for Your Skill
Level: Adult Basic Education
Services
Literacy/basic skills: Courses provide skills needed in everyday life
including reading, writing, problem solving, math, and computer skills.
English as a Second Language (ESL): Courses help people learn to
speak and write English. ESL courses also sometimes have a component
to help students gain U.S. citizenship.
GED preparation: Programs provide courses, tutoring, and pre-tests to
prepare students for the GED test. Subject areas covered include writing,
reading, social studies, science, and math.
	
Cost: Usually free. Typically programs offered at adult schools, One-Stop
Career Centers, libraries, or community colleges will be free or charge a small fee.
For-profit agencies like Kaplan and ESL Language Centers charge higher fees.

How to find agencies that provide ABE
services
If you are incarcerated, check with the education department at your
facility or your counselor or case manager about organizations that
provide ABE services 	in your community.
Locate basic skill, ESL and GED programs in your area at the National
Institute for Literacy’s website: http://www.literacydirectory.org.

Part II: EARNING YOUR GED OR DIPLOMA 28

Knowing Where to
Start:
Educational
Assessment
Finding Services
for Your Skill
Level: Adult Basic
Education
The GED Test
Adult High School
Diploma

Search for your local community college at the American Association of
Community Colleges’ website. Go to: http://www.aacc.nche.edu and
scroll down to the heading “Find Your Community College.”
Locate One-Stop Career Centers in your community that can guide you to
basic skills and GED preparation. See page 12 for information on finding
your local One-Stop.
Search for ESL programs by state at: http://www.esl.com.
Search for local literacy and adult education centers at your local public
library. See page 12 for information on finding your local library.
Search on the Internet using terms like “literacy program,” “English as a
Second Language,” “adult education,” and “adult basic education.” Be
sure to include the name of your city or neighborhood as a search term.

Important Tips
Keep in mind there may be waiting lists or only certain times in the year when you
can enroll in these programs. For this reason, it’s important to research your
options and contact programs as soon as possible. You won’t necessarily be
able to start the first time you visit a program.

Notes:

If your schedule does not allow you to take a formal GED preparation course,
you can prepare on your own. Many books are available to help you get ready
to take and pass the GED test. You can find these resources at your local public
library or bookstore. They usually include at least one GED practice test. You
can also find free sample tests online at: http://www.acenet.edu or
http://www.testprepreview.com.
Joining or forming a study group can be helpful in studying for the GED,
particularly if you prepare on your own. Study groups can help keep you
motivated to continue working and provide you with support during the process.

The GED Test
The GED test provides adults who have not completed high school the opportunity
to show they have mastered the knowledge and skills associated with a traditional
high school diploma. The GED test is made up of five different subject tests:
Writing
Science
Social Studies
Reading

Math

	

Cost: Varies by location and usually ranges between $35 and $75.
How to find agencies that administer
the GED test
Information on official testing centers in your state is available from the
American Council on Education. Go to: http://www.acenet.edu or call
1-800-626-9433.
Contact your state GED office. Search on the Internet using terms like
“state GED office” and “state GED administrator.” Be sure to include the
name of your state as a search term.

Part II: EARNING YOUR GED OR DIPLOMA 29

Knowing Where to
Start:
Educational
Assessment
Finding Services
for Your Skill
Level: Adult Basic
Education
The GED Test
Adult High School
Diploma

Notes:

Search for your local community college at the American Association of
Community Colleges’ website. Go to: http://www.aacc.nche.edu and
scroll down to the heading “Find Your Community College.”
Search for local GED testing centers at your local public library. See page
12 for information on finding your local library.
Search on the Internet using terms like “GED” and “GED test.” Be sure to
include the name of your city or neighborhood as a search term.

Applying to take the GED test
Contact your local testing center or state GED office for an application.
Complete the application and return it as instructed (in person or by mail).
Your eligibility will be confirmed and you will be assigned to a test date
and time. You can provide your scheduling preference in the application.
You will receive an Admissions Notice in the mail telling you when and
where you need to go to take the test.

Important Tips
Keep your Admissions Notice in your portfolio. You must bring it with you to the
testing center to take the test.
Some states might require you to take the GED at a testing center in the county
where you are living while other states will allow you to take the GED at any
testing center in the state. Check with your testing center to learn about the
relevant restrictions that might exist in your state.

Adult High School Diploma
Adult High School Diploma (AHSD) programs allow people ages 18 or older to
earn a high school diploma. You earn an AHSD based on course work, much like
a traditional high school education.

Cost: AHSD programs usually charge tuition and may require that you have
some prior high school credit to participate.

How to find AHSD programs
Search for your local community college at the American Association
of Community Colleges’ website. Go to: http://www.aacc.nche.edu and
scroll down to the heading “Find Your Community College.”
Search for local AHSD programs at your local public library. See page 12
for information on finding your local library.
Search on the Internet using terms like “Adult High School Diploma.” Be
sure to include the name of your city or neighborhood as a search term.

Important Tip
If you’re planning to enroll in an AHSD program, verify whether the program is
“accredited.” Accredited programs tend to provide better quality services. Also,
the diplomas offered by non-accredited programs may not be recognized by other
schools and colleges. For more information on accreditation, see pages 33-35.

Part II: EARNING YOUR GED OR DIPLOMA 30

The College Life

Name: Jay
Age: 28

Ly

Why did you decide to continue your education?

Educational goal:
Bachelor’s degree in
Business
Administration

Did you have fears or anxiety about returning to
school after your release?

Date released:
May 2007
Time in community before
going back to school:
11 days

Attending college gives me a credibility that I wouldn’t normally have.
Starting out with sentences like, “Hi, I’m a Junior at SFSU. I would like to...”
makes all the difference in the world.

I took college courses while I was in prison. The courses were pretty
easy…I thought that the professors were taking it easy on us and I
worried that it would be tough in a “real” university. But after
attending class at a university, I realized that the majority of
students in prison were very dedicated and focused. On the
other hand, most of the students on the outside just want to
get the class over with.

What challenges have you experienced in pursuing your
education?

The first challenge was getting an MMR (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella) shot. I didn’t know there was a
transition clinic, so I had to go around looking for a low-income clinic that gives MMR shots. Second was the
computer. In order to register for classes, I had to do a lot of things that required a computer and online
access. Plus, all of my classes so far have required computer access to do homework.
Jason, the director of a community-based reentry program, helped me get enrolled in school. When I got out,
it was too late for me to register for classes. We went to see the admissions counselor at the university and
explained my situation. All I had with me was a letter from my parole officer. If Jason wasn’t there talking to
them, they would’ve probably sent me away.
Another thing is that I didn’t know that I had to be enrolled in six credits before my student loans could be
disbursed. I was borrowing money from my friends and telling them that I’ll pay them on so and so date. Of
course, they understood.

What advice would you give to someone still in prison who is thinking
about pursuing their education?
Pursue your education from inside. Get a clerk job that has computer access. Go to the help file and learn
everything you can. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do today without the computer knowledge that I have.
When you get out, look for programs and someone who’s been through it because s/he knows the nitty-gritty
details and others you can contact.

What concrete advice would you to give to someone just released?

Get your ID as soon as possible. A cell phone. A computer with Internet access. Buying these is practically
impossible without good friends. If you don’t have financial resources, go to a program. Ask your counselor
as soon as you can. DO NOT WAIT. They will help you take care of your room and board and find jobs.
Make your parole agent earn his money.

31

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE
EDUCATION
If you already have your high school diploma or GED, the next step on your
educational path is to enroll in a vocational or academic college program. You
may think that college degrees are only appropriate for recent high school
graduates, but this is not the case!

Did you know…
In the year 2000, almost half of all students enrolled in an Associate degree
program had taken at least one year off after high school (according to the
National Center for Education Statistics).
Many schools offer remedial courses that allow students to improve their skills
in certain subject areas before enrolling in credit-bearing courses.
In Fall 2000, 28% of first-year students were enrolled in a remedial course in
reading, writing or math (according to the National Center for Education
Statistics).
Many college programs that qualify you for skilled employment can be
completed in one year of full-time study.
This section gives you important information to consider when making decisions
about enrolling in college. It provides you with an overview of the vocational and
academic programs available once you’ve earned your GED or high school
diploma and information on getting financial aid to help you pay for school.

Important Considerations and
Advice
Once you have decided to enroll in a college program, the first step is to select the
program that best fits your educational goals, schedule, and preferences.
The U.S. News and World Report’s website allows you to search for schools by
location, campus information, majors, financial aid and costs, and sports and
activities. To search for schools, go to: http://www.usnews.com.
Click “Education”
Click “Student Center”
Look for a box labeled “Tools for Students”
Click “College Search”
Another great resource for information about the schools and programs in your
area is your local One-Stop Career Center. See page 12 for more information
about locating your local One-Stop.
Following is information on some of the key issues and options to familiarize
yourself with when making decisions about your enrollment.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 32

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit

Part-time vs. full-time enrollment
What you need to know
When you enroll in a college program, you can choose to be a full-time
student or a part-time student. Full-time students take 12 credit hours (usually
four of more courses) while part-time students take fewer credit hours.

Why
Enrolling in school on a part-time basis is ideal for students who are juggling
additional responsibilities, like work and family.

Important Tips
Part-time enrollment might affect the amount of financial aid you receive. To 	
receive financial aid, you must be taking at least six credits (usually two courses).

Money for
College

Notes:

Many schools offer courses in the evenings and on the weekends, allowing 	
students who work full-time during the week to attend classes.

School size
What you need to know
Colleges come in all sizes, from less than 2,000 to more than 10,000 students.

Why
Small and large schools each have benefits and drawbacks. Here are some
issues to consider when deciding which school might be the best fit:
Smaller schools
Smaller classes.
Easier for you and your
professors to get to know each
other.
Typically have fewer services
for non-traditional students.

Usually are private and more
expensive.

Larger schools
Larger classes and usually a larger 	
selection of classes.
Professors are accessible but it might
take more effort to get to know them.
Usually have many services for students,
particularly non-traditional students.
However, the process of finding and
accessing them can sometimes be
challenging.
Usually are public and less expensive.

Ensuring quality: accreditation
What you need to know
If a school is accredited, it has met the requirements of an outside organization
with regards to the quality of the services and education it provides.
There are thousands of schools that allow you to earn a certificate or degree,
but the quality of the education they provide can vary widely. While you should
research the quality of a school in a variety of ways, the best starting place is to
make sure it is accredited.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 33

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

Some schools graduate as many students as they can in order to increase their
profit. They may offer degrees for a fee without requiring that you complete any
credits. These schools are sometimes referred to as “diploma mills.”

Why
If you earn credits from a school that is not properly accredited, those credits
cannot be transferred to other accredited schools. If you would like to
transfer credits from one school to another, it is important to attend an
accredited school. See pages 40-41 for information on transferring credits.
Employers generally respect the credentials of a job applicant with a certificate
or degree from a well-regarded, accredited school more highly than an
applicant who attended a non-accredited school.
While at any school you may have to wait several terms before the course you
need to take is offered, getting the classes you need at a diploma mill can be
particularly difficult. This waiting period can cause you to use up your financial
aid and go into debt, which might make it difficult for you to access financial aid 	
in the future.

Important Tips
Be sure that the schools you are interested in are accredited by an organization
that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Some schools will say
that they are accredited, but the accrediting agency is not officially recognized.
To learn more about accreditation and find out if the school you are interested in
attending is accredited, go to the following sources:
For general information on accreditation and diploma mills, go to the
Council for Higher Education’s website: http://www.chea.org.
Extensive information on accreditation, nationally recognized accreditation
associations, and accredited schools is provided by the U.S. Department of
Education’s Office of Post Secondary Education. Call 1-888-247-8269 or go
to: http://www.ed.gov.
Click “About Ed”
Click “Offices”
Under the heading “Office of the Under Secretary” click “Postsecondary
Education Homepage”
Click “Accreditation”
The Better Business Bureau cautions against enrolling in schools with the
following characteristics:
They offer degrees that can be earned in less time than at a traditional
college. Typically, it will take at least four years to complete a Bachelor’s
degree at a traditional college.
Websites and materials list accreditation by organizations that are not
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. When in doubt, check with
the Council on Higher Education Accreditation at: http://www.chea.org.
The programs place heavy emphasis on offering college credits for lifetime
or real world experience. If a traditional school will accept life experience
credit, credits provided will be limited.
They offer payment plans on a per-degree basis or discounts for
enrolling in multiple degree programs. Traditional colleges charge by credit
hours, course, or school terms (semesters or quarters).
The names of the schools are similar to well known universities.
The addresses include post office box numbers or suites.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 34

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs

Important Tips cont...
Tips for identifying and avoiding diploma mills are available at:
http://www.ed.gov/students.
Click “Prepare for My Future”
Click “Plan for College”
Click “Accreditation and Avoiding Diploma Mills”

Academic
Programs

Internships

Transferring
Credit

What you need to know

Money for
College

Internships are part-time jobs (usually between five and 15 hours per week)
designed to provide real world experience in your field of study.
While some internships are unpaid, some pay a small hourly wage or can be
completed for school credit.
To learn more about the internship programs available at your college, contact
the internship office (often housed in the career development department).

	

Why
Notes:

Internships help you decide whether you will enjoy working in a particular field.
If you want to work at a specific organization, agency, or business, an
internship can help you get your foot in the door.
Internships improve your resume.

Online courses and degrees
What you need to know
Many colleges now offer distance learning through the Internet.
Courses are conducted by an instructor at the college and require you to
submit assignments over the Internet.
Online courses can be taken along with regular classroom courses or you can
earn a degree online.

Why
Online courses and degrees may be useful if you are an advanced student
whose schedule or location does not allow you to attend regular classes.

Important Warnings
Online courses require students to be self-directed and motivated, skilled with 	
computers, comfortable with using web browsers and email, and well-versed in 	
word-processing programs.
It is difficult to get direct assistance from your instructor when you need help with
an assignment. Contact with instructors occurs over email or the telephone.
Online courses require continuous access to the Internet.
Online courses and degrees are often offered by schools that are not accredited.
See pages 33-35 for information on accreditation and why it’s important.
Participating in online courses prevents you from taking advantage of the
benefits of being in a classroom. These benefits include getting to know your
classmates, developing relationships with your instructors, and having your views
and opinions challenged and expanded through class discussion.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 35

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

Vocational Programs
Vocational programs provide you with a specific set of skills required for a specific
job. They are also referred to as occupational, votech, or career and technical
education programs. Vocational programs combine textbook theory with handson training, allowing you to learn the ideas and the practical skills for a trade at
the same time. The following list includes some of the trades and professions for
which vocational programs can prepare you:
Agriculture

Culinary Arts

Machining

Animal Science

Custodial Management

Masonry

Auto Body Repair

Electrical Occupations

Plumbing

Business
Administration
Construction and	
Carpentry
Computer
Repair
Cosmetology

Graphic
Design
Hazardous Waste
Management
Horticulture and
Landscaping
HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air
Conditioning, Refrigeration)

Substance Abuse
Counseling
Welding and
Metal Arts

Important facts about vocational programs
They take less time to complete than academic college degree programs.
They are available through public community and technical colleges, as well as
private trade schools.
They generally offer a vocational certificate upon completion of the required
courses.
Some community colleges and professional schools award an Associate of
Arts or Associate of Sciences degree. These programs can take from several
months to several years to complete, depending on the type of program
you choose and whether you enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.

Cost: Varies by location, school, and program. Community colleges are usually
the least expensive option.

How to find programs that offer vocational certificates and
degrees:
If you are in prison, ask the education department at your facility or your
counselor or case manager to help you identify vocational programs in your
community.
For a listing of schools that offer vocational programs, go to:
http://www.careerinfonet.org.
Click “Training and Education”
Click “Find Education and Training”
Search for programs by occupation, instructional program title, or the 	
name of the school
Search for your local community college at the American Association of
Community Colleges’ website. Go to: http://www.aacc.nche.edu and scroll
down to the heading “Find Your Community College.”

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 36

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

One-Stop Career Centers can guide you to vocational programs in your area of
interest. See page 12 for information on locating your local One-Stop.
Search on the Internet using terms like “vocational training,” “vocational
program,” and the field you might be interested in studying, like “plumbing,” 	
“masonry,” or “business.” Be sure to include the name of your city or
neighborhood as a search term.

To enroll:
Vocational programs usually have an “open door policy” for admissions. This
means that if you meet the education requirement you are automatically
admitted as long as space is available. The requirement is usually having a
high school diploma or GED.
When you have found a college or program that looks right for you, you will
need to submit an application. Applications are usually available on the
school’s website or you can call or write to the admissions office to ask them to
send you an application by mail or email.
Most schools require a non-refundable application fee to process your
paperwork. Check with the school’s admissions office to see if you qualify for a
fee waiver.
Keep a copy of your completed application and all related paperwork in your
portfolio.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are another way to gain hands-on training in a trade or
profession. Apprenticeships allow you to earn a salary while gaining valuable
knowledge and experience in a specific profession. They are usually offered
through trade unions. For more information on the apprenticeship programs in
your area, go to: http://www.careervoyages.gov.
Click “Student”
Click “Apprenticeship”

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps people with physical or
mental disabilities get jobs and live more independently. Addiction may qualify as
a disability.

Services:
Counseling

Job training

Medical and psychological services

Other individualized services

How to find VR programs:
To learn more about VR programs, call 1-202-245-1488 or write to:
	
	
Rehabilitation Services Administration
	
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
	
Washington, DC 20202-2800
You can locate VR offices in your state at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/SBSES/VOCREHAB.HTM.
Search the Internet using terms like “vocational rehabilitation” and “voc rehab.” 	
Be sure to include the name of your city or neighborhood as a search term.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 37

Important
Considerations
and Advice

Job Corps

Vocational
Programs

Job Corps is a great opportunity for young people ages 16 to 24 to earn a free
vocational education while receiving a monthly allowance. Typically, participants
live at a Job Corps residential center while receiving training. To learn more about
Job Corps and to find the Job Corps center nearest you, call 1-800-733-5627 or
go to: http://jobcorps.dol.gov.

Academic
Programs

Academic Programs

Transferring
Credit

Community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities provide you with the
opportunity to pursue an academic education. Most academic programs don’t
prepare you for a specific job or profession. Instead, they are designed to give
you a wide variety of skills that will help you to succeed in whichever career you
choose. These skills include writing, research, critical thinking, and
communication. The following is a brief list of some common academic majors:

Money for
College

Notes:

Biology
Business
Administration
Economics
Education
English Literature
Ethnic Studies

History
Legal Studies
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology

Religious Studies
Sociology
Urban Studies
Visual Arts
Women’s and
Gender Studies

Important facts about academic programs
If you decide to pursue an academic education, you can choose to work
toward an Associate’s degree (60 credits/two years of full-time course work) or
a Bachelor’s degree (120 credits/four years of full-time course work).
For students who haven’t been in school for a while, the most common path
towards an academic degree begins at a community college. Many community
colleges offer dual enrollment programs, which allow you to earn an adult
high school diploma or GED and college credits at the same time. Also, by
enrolling in a community college, you can earn an Associate’s degree and then
transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a Bachelor’s degree.
Because of the low-cost of tuition and the variety of programs they offer,
community colleges are the ideal starting place for a college education for
many students.

Community colleges
Services
Inexpensive, high quality college courses
Dual enrollment programs
Associate degree programs
Opportunity to earn general education requirements you can transfer to a
four-year college or university
Extensive remedial courses and courses geared towards students
with learning differences
Agreements with four-year colleges and universities that guarantee you can
transfer credits to those schools

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 38

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

Cost: Varies by state. In 2007, community college students paid an average of
$2,272 for tuition and fees for the school year (according to the American
Association of Community Colleges). See pages 41-48 for more information on
getting help to pay for college.

How to find community colleges
If you are in prison, ask the education department staff or your counselor or
case manager to help you identify community colleges in your community.
Search for your local community college at the American Association of
Community Colleges’ website. Go to: http://www.aacc.nche.edu and scroll
down to the heading “Find Your Community College.”

To enroll
Usually community colleges have what is called an “open door policy” for
admissions. This means that if you meet the education requirement you are
automatically admitted as long as space is available. The requirement is
usually having a high school diploma or GED. However, based on your scores
on placement tests, you may be required to enroll in remedial courses to
improve your skills in English and math.
When you have found a college that looks right for you, you will need to submit 	
an application. Applications are often available on the school’s website or you 	
can call or write to the admissions office to ask them to send you an application
by mail or email.
Most schools require a non-refundable application fee to process your
paperwork. Check with the school’s admissions office to see if you qualify for a
fee waiver.
Keep a copy of the completed application and related paperwork in your portfolio.

Four-year colleges and universities

Four-year colleges and universities include both public and private institutions
where you can earn a Bachelor of Sciences or a Bachelor of Arts degree upon
completion. To earn a Bachelor’s degree, you can begin your coursework at a
community college and transfer to a four-year college or university, or you can
apply directly once you earn your GED or high school diploma.

Cost: Varies by school. Private colleges and universities will be more expensive
than public colleges and universities. See pages 41-48 for more information on
getting help to pay for college.

How to find four-year colleges and universities:
For a list of four-year colleges and universities near you, go to:
http://www.collegeboard.com and click “College Board’s free college search tool.”

To apply:
When you have found a college or university that looks right for you, you will
need to submit an application. Applications are often available on the school’s
website or you can call or write to the admissions office to ask them to send
you an application by mail or email.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 39

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

In the application packet, the school will provide you with a list of materials to
submit. The school will review these materials in order to decide whether to 	
admit you as a student. In addition to an application fee, four-year colleges
and universities might also require an official copy of your high school or GED
transcript, a personal statement, a letter of recommendation and
immunization records.
If you are applying directly as a first-year student, these schools may also
require test scores from the ACT and/or SAT, which are standardized aptitude
and achievement tests. You can get more information on the SAT at:
http://www.collegeboard.com and on the ACT at: http://www.actstudent.org.
Keep a copy of the completed application and related paperwork in your portfolio.

Important Tip
Many people choose to transfer from a community college rather than apply directly to a
four-year college or university. They select this option because public college and
university systems usually guarantee a certain number of spots for students who transfer
from community colleges. Since the application process for four-year colleges and
universities tends to be very competitive, you might have a better chance of being
accepted if you transfer from a community college.

Advanced degrees

Some professions, such as social work, require an advanced degree (Master’s
degree or Ph.D.). If you are interested in furthering your education beyond a
Bachelor’s degree or in pursuing a career in a field that requires an advanced
degree, universities provide graduate programs where you can earn a Ph.D. or
Master’s degree. The Princeton Review provides information on graduate
programs across the country and discusses which programs are appropriate for
your field of interest. Go to: http://www.princetonreview.com.

Transferring Credit
Prior college credit

If you earned vocational or academic credit while in prison or before, you might be
able to apply those credits toward the degree you are planning to earn.

Requesting your official transcripts
During the application process, the school to which you are applying will ask you
to provide official transcripts from the college(s) you attended in the past.
Contact the admissions and records office of the school(s) you attended to find
out how to request official transcripts. There is usually a small fee ($2 - $10)
associated with getting official transcripts.
If you earned college credit while incarcerated, contact the school that provided
the course or program to request a copy of your official transcripts.

Applying the credits towards your degree
School policies will determine whether credits you have already earned can be
applied toward your degree. To find out more about the school’s policies, contact
the registrar’s office. Common policies are as follows:

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 40

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

You must have earned a “C” or better for a course to be transferable.
You can’t transfer credits from a non-accredited program to an accredited
program. See pages 33-35 for more information about accreditation.

Important Tips
Because you never know which courses they may accept, you should send all
official transcripts to the school to which you are applying.
If you owe money to your previous school, your transcripts will not be released
until you have paid them back. Contact the admissions and records office to find out
whether and how much you owe and to ask them about setting up a payment plan.
Keep a copy of your transcripts in your portfolio. You can request an unofficial copy
of your transcripts by contacting the registrar’s office of the school(s) you attended.
Unofficial transcripts are usually free.

Life-experience credit

Some programs will grant credit for experience you have gained outside the
classroom. To learn about the opportunities available at your college for earning
life-experience credit, contact the advising office.

Life-experience credit can be awarded in several ways
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Defense Activity for
Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) are tests that allow certain
requirements to be waived. For example, native Spanish speakers can take a
test for Spanish ability that will allow them to satisfy a program’s foreign
language requirement.
A portfolio program allows you to demonstrate life experience by pulling
together documents and evidence of activities and experiences that relate to
your degree.

Money for College
While education programs through high school and the GED are usually free, a
college education can be expensive. Finding the funds to pay for your education
is a challenge. Where do students get the money? Generally, the dollars come
from one or more of the following sources: family resources, wages from full- or
part-time work, support from your employer, and financial aid (including grants,
student loans, work-study and scholarships).
You may assume there are too many barriers in the way of receiving financial aid,
but this is not necessarily the case. Here are some facts you may not know about
your eligibility and the application process:
Applying for federal financial aid is free.
Financial aid, including Pell grants, state grants, work-study and loans, is
available to students on probation and parole.
The amount of financial aid you receive depends primarily on your financial
need. Your past history with creditors does not automatically disqualify you.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 41

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

There is a federal law that limits some people with criminal records from being
eligible for federal financial aid. However, restrictions only apply if you were
convicted of a drug offense (a misdemeanor or felony) while you were receiving
financial aid. And, even if you have a drug conviction that occurred when you
were receiving financial aid, the law may not apply to you if a certain period of
time has passed since the conviction or if you have completed drug treatment.
For more information, see Appendix E.
This section contains essential information on the different forms of financial aid
that are available. It will also give you instructions and tips for applying for
financial aid awards and scholarships.

Important Warnings
Applying for financial aid can be a complicated and discouraging process. Ask for
guidance from a person who knows the ins and outs of the financial aid application
process. Staff of the education department at your correctional facility or the
financial aid office at your school are a good starting point.
If a grant, loan, or scholarship offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Like
diploma mills, there are many for-profit companies that take advantage of people
who are looking to finance their education. The process of applying for financial aid
should be free, and you should research the agency or company before applying.
Because the process of applying for financial aid can be extremely complicated, it
is particularly important to keep copies of all applications and related paperwork in
your portfolio.

Applying for federal financial aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for
accessing all federal financial aid. This is the government form you use to
apply for a number of sources of federal financial aid including Pell grants,
Stafford loans, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
(FSEOG), and work-study. Most states and schools use information from the
FAFSA to award other types of financial aid.
Give yourself sufficient time to complete the FAFSA. It is a complicated
application that requires patience and attention to detail. For a useful checklist
that will help you through the application process, see Appendix F.

Types of federal financial aid
Once your FAFSA has been processed, you may be able to receive funding in the
form of grants, loans, and/or work-study. Here is some information on each type
of financial aid:
Type of aid

Do you have to repay it?

Amount of aid

Grants

No, unless you:
Withdraw from school, or
Fail to maintain an
acceptable grade point
average (GPA).

Varies by grant program.
Federal Pell grants, the
largest grant program in the
U.S., are given to students
based on financial need.
The size of a Pell grant
award for one year varied
between $400 and $4200 in
2006-07.

Other information

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 42

Important
Considerations
and Advice

Type of aid

Do you have to repay it?

Amount of aid

Other information

Student
loans

Yes. You will also have to
pay interest on your loan.

Varies and is based on your
income. Common loans
include:
Federal Perkins Loans
(up to $4,000 per year for
undergraduate
students and $6,000
for graduate students).
Stafford Loans (up to
$2,625 per year for
undergraduate
students in 2006-07).

The availability of loan
programs depends on
the school. Check with
the school’s financial
aid administrator for
more information on
the availability of loan
programs and to learn
about your rights and
responsibilities as a
borrower of student
loans.

Work-study

No.

At least the current federal
minimum wage, but the
amount might be higher
depending on the type of
work and the skills required.
Your total work-study award
depends on when you
apply, your level of need,
and the funding level of
your school.

Work-study is a
federal program that
allows you to earn
money through
part-time employment
(on and off campus)
while you are enrolled
in school. It is
available to part-time
and full-time students.
If you are interested in
work-study, contact the
school’s work-study
coordinator.

Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

Important Tips
Money you receive through grants and loans is sent directly to your school to pay 	
for your tuition and fees. If there is money left over, you will receive it only after
these costs have been deducted.
You usually only receive money from loans after the school term begins. If you are
not earning an income, you will have to rely on other sources (like savings or
borrowing money) to cover your living costs until your loan arrives. Contact the
financial aid administrator at your school to find out when your loan will arrive.

Eligibility requirements
To be eligible to receive federal financial aid, you must meet all of the following
criteria:
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Have earned a GED or high-school diploma or pass an approved ability-tobenefit (ATB) test.
Have registered with Selective Service (for males only). See pages 23-24
for more information on Selective Service.
Have no outstanding student loans. See pages 24-25 for more information
on addressing student loan debt.
Be working towards your first undergraduate degree or a graduate degree.
Be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP).

Gathering essential information
Most financial aid is needs-based, meaning that it is intended to help people who
don’t have enough money to meet their expenses. To prove your level of need,
you generally have to provide a lot of personal information.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 43

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

You must provide the following information to have your FAFSA processed:
Social security number
School codes or addresses. To find the code(s) for the school(s) where
you are applying, go to: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or contact the school’s
financial aid office.
You must provide the following information if you have it:
Federal income tax returns for the previous calendar year
W-2 forms (wage earnings)
Records of untaxed benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and other public assistance
Bank statements and records of savings and investments

Important Tips
If you are married, you must provide the information for you and your spouse.
If you are considered a dependent for tax purposes, you must provide the above
information for you and your parent(s) or legal guardian. Declaring yourself
“independent” is an option, but the determination is made by the school. For more
information about dependent and independent status, contact the school’s financial
aid office. Generally, if you are 24 and over or if you have a child, you are
considered independent.

Where to find the FAFSA
FAFSAs are available in English and Spanish, in paper and through the Internet.
Paper applications:
You can obtain a paper FAFSA at the following places:
Any financial aid office at a college or university.
The public library. See page 12 for information on finding your local library.
The U.S. Department of Education. Call 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243) or
write to:
	
Federal Student Aid Information Center
	
P.O. Box 84
	
Washington, DC 20044
Applications through the Internet:
You can access the FAFSA on the Internet at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Filing the FAFSA
If you have Internet access, it is best to file your FAFSA online. When you file
over the Internet, you make fewer mistakes because the website does not let you
continue if it identifies a problem with your application. Also, filing on the Internet
allows for a faster processing time. It may be useful to print out a blank
application to reference when filling out the application online.
Filing your FAFSA through the mail:
Complete the FAFSA. See Appendix E for instructions to help you answer 	
Question 31, which asks you whether you have been convicted of possession
or sale of illegal drugs.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 44

Important
Considerations
and Advice

Sign the Affirmation Statement. If you are considered a dependent, one
parent must also sign this form.
Make a copy of the entire package for your portfolio.

Vocational
Programs

Send the original by first-class mail to the Federal Student Aid Information
Center:

Academic
Programs

	
	

Transferring
Credit

You will receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in the mail. This PIN
can be used to correct your FAFSA information over the Internet, file a renewal
FAFSA for the coming year, and gain access to other parts of the U.S.
Department of Education’s website. Be sure to keep your PIN in your portfolio.
Six weeks after your FAFSA is received, you will be sent a Student Aid Report
(SAR). Information on the SAR is provided in the next section, on page 46.
If you answered “yes” to Question 31, you will receive a Student Aid Eligibility
Worksheet for Question 31 in addition to your SAR.

Money for
College

Notes:

Federal Student Aid Information Center
P.O. Box 84
Washington, DC 20044

Filing your FAFSA on the Internet:
Go to: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Follow the on-screen instructions to get your PIN and complete your FAFSA.
See Appendix E for instructions to help you answer Question 31, which asks
you whether you have been convicted of possession or sale of illegal drugs.
When you have completed your application, print out and sign the “Signature
Page.” If you are considered a dependent, one of your parents must also sign
this form.
Make a copy and mail the original Signature Page to the Federal Student Aid 	
Information Center (see address listed in the previous section above).
Four weeks after you submit your form online, you will receive a SAR.
Information on the SAR is provided in the next section, on page 46.

Important Warning
There are serious repercussions if you are caught providing inaccurate information 	
on the FAFSA. The warning on the FAFSA reads: “If you get federal student aid based
on incorrect information, you will have to pay it back; you may also have to pay fines and
fees. If you purposely give false or misleading information on your application, you may
be fined $20,000, sent to prison, or both.”

Deadlines for filing the FAFSA:
The federal deadline for filing a FAFSA for the following academic year is in the
beginning of July. For example, if you are planning to enroll in college for the
2008-09 school year (which begins in September 2008), you must submit your
FAFSA by July 2008.
State and individual college deadlines vary and might require that you file your 	
FAFSA earlier than the federal deadline. State deadlines are on the FAFSA.
You should complete and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible because
each school is given a limited amount of money to distribute to students and
the funds run out.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 45

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs

If you have any questions regarding deadlines, contact the school’s financial
aid administrator.

Important Tips
The FAFSA must be completed and submitted each year by current and prospective
college students (both undergraduate and graduate).
You must resubmit a FAFSA each year you are enrolled in school.

Transferring
Credit

If your financial situation changes after you have completed the FAFSA due to
unemployment, change in family status, serious injury, or natural disaster, contact
your school’s financial aid administrator. The size of your award may be
recalculated because of this new information.

Money for
College

If you transfer to a different school mid-year, you must have your FAFSA information
sent to your new school. You do not have to resubmit the FAFSA.

The SAR: Making sure your information is correct
Notes:

Four to six weeks after your FAFSA is received, you will receive a Student Aid
Report (SAR). The SAR is a document that lists all the information you provided
on your FAFSA. Review the information on the SAR to be sure that all your
information is accurate. The SAR will be sent electronically to all schools listed on
your FAFSA. Schools will use the information on the SAR to calculate the size of
your financial aid package.

Important Tips
If you have not received your SAR within four to six weeks, you can check the status
of your application at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 1-800-4-FEDAID
(1-800-433-3243).
The schools you listed on the FAFSA may contact you to verify your income. You
can use prison release papers to demonstrate why your income for the previous
year was low.

State financial aid

In addition to federal financial aid, states often provide assistance to students to
finance their education. To learn more about the programs available in your state,
contact your state Department of Education.
See Appendix G for a list of state Departments of Education contact
information. If the offices listed in Appendix G cannot provide you with this
information, they should be able to direct you to the appropriate office.
Search online using the term “state financial aid.” Be sure to include the name
of your state as a search term.

Financial aid from individual colleges and
universities

Colleges and universities often offer their own need-based and non-need based
scholarship, grant, loan, and work programs, including athletic scholarships. For
information on the scholarships available at the school(s) to which you are
applying, contact the financial aid administrator at the particular school(s).

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 46

Important
Considerations
and Advice
Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs
Transferring
Credit
Money for
College

Notes:

Important Tip
If you are applying to a private college, it is important to complete the College Board’s
CSS/Financial Aid Profile application. This form is used by many private colleges and
universities to determine eligibility for non-governmental aid. Call 1-305-829-9793 or go
to: https://profileonline.collegeboard.com.

Scholarships

Private organizations and other agencies sometimes offer scholarships that reflect
their mission. For instance, the United Negro College Fund grants scholarships to
qualified African-American students.

How to find scholarships
The financial aid office at your chosen school can help you organize a search
for outside scholarships and can usually provide you with information on many
available scholarships.
Catalogs such as Scholarships, Fellowships and Loans and Peterson’s Scholarships and Loans for Adult Learners are available at your local public library.
See page 12 for information on finding your local library.
Information on a wide variety of scholarships is available at the following
websites:
Broke Scholar: http://www.brokescholar.com
College Board: http://www.collegeboard.com
College Net: http://www.collegenet.com
College Toolkit: http://www.collegetoolkit.com
Fast Web: http://www.fastweb.com
Fin Aid: http://www.finaid.org
Go College: http://www.gocollege.com
Sallie Mae Scholarship Service: http://www.salliemae.com
Scholarships.com: http://www.scholarship.com
Scholarship Experts: http://www.scholarshipexperts.com
Scholarship Resource Network Express: http://www.srnexpress.com
Wired Scholarships: http://www.wiredscholarships.com
Information on scholarships for specific populations or offered by specific
organizations are available at the following websites:
American Indian Movement: http://www.aimovement.org
Aspira: http://www.aspira.org
Bureau of Indian Affairs: http://www.oiep.bia.edu
Coalition of Asian Pacific American Youth: http://www.capayus.org
Jackie Robinson Foundation: http://www.jackierobinson.org
Qualified Minority Scholarship Search: http://www.molis.org
Scholarships for Hispanics: http://www.scholarshipsforhispanics.com
United Negro College Fund: http://www.uncf.org
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): http://www.gibill.va.gov

Free resources

The following resources provide detailed information about federal financial aid
and additional tools and resources to help you through the process.

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 47

Important
Considerations
and Advice

Comprehensive information on student financial aid from the U.S. Department
of Education is provided in Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide
to Federal Student Aid. Go to: http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide or write to:
	
U.S. Department of Education
	
Federal Student Aid Information Center
	
P.O. Box 84
	
Washington, DC 20044-0084

Vocational
Programs
Academic
Programs

Information, resources, and tools to help you complete the FAFSA are provided
on the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ website.
Go to: http://www.nasfaa.org and click “Parents and Students.”
General information on financing your education and a FAFSA pre-application
worksheet are available through the U.S. Department of Education. Go to:
http://studentaid.ed.gov or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). To access
the worksheet online:
Click “Tools and Resources”
Click “Go” under “FAFSA on the Web Worksheet”

Transferring
Credit
Money for
College
	

Notes:

Part III: EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION 48

Final Thoughts
Make the decision to enroll in school with your eyes open to the challenges
you will face. Working towards a certificate or degree requires planning,
hard work, and dedication. Remember, you earn an education.
One of the most frustrating parts about being in school can be dealing with
administrative offices and processes. Schools are large institutions and
paperwork will get misplaced. You will encounter people who can’t provide
you with the information or support you need. However, you will also
find people who are willing to make an investment in you by guiding you
through the process, helping you with your school work, and mentoring
you. This support network will be a tremendous resource as you
continue your education and achieve your goals. Try not to let
glitches get you down and remember that the payoffs are priceless.
Also remember that the classroom, especially the college
classroom, allows you to exchange your
thoughts and ideas with a group of people who
represent diverse life experiences and points of view. Depending on
the subject, classroom discussion can get intense, and your ideas and opinions
may be challenged by your classmates. These discussions will help you to
strengthen your views and gain the skills to support your ideas. It is important to
realize that these interactions are part of the learning process.

As you go back to school, keep these simple points in mind:
Be proactive. Seek out people who have your best interests in mind and don’t be afraid
to ask for help.
One-Stops, public libraries, and community colleges are usually the best places
to start.
Beware of scams. Find out as much as you can before making important
decisions. If a program or service sounds too good to be true, it
probably is.
Make and keep copies of all paperwork related to your education.

GOOD LUCK!

25
49

Completing the
Journey

Name: Luis
Age: 38

Many people on parole have pledged never to return to prison. That’s
what I pledged on September 25, 1997, when I paroled from state prison.
I was a “three-time loser,” a parole violator returning home.

Garcia

Educational goal:
Ed.D. in
Education

Date released:
September 1997
Time in
community before
going back to
school: 2 days

When I was previously incarcerated in county jail, I attempted to
complete my adult high school diploma and attend community
college, but to no avail. Eventually, I was convicted of my first
felony offense and sentenced to a three-year prison term.
Pursuing an education became a distant goal. Years later,
after a second felony arrest, I made a decision to complete
my high school education. Just prior to being
sentenced to state prison for a two-year term, I
earned my adult high school diploma in
the Los Angeles County Jail. However, I could not gather enough inner desire
to change my life situation, and shortly after release from my second prison stint I
violated parole and was returned to custody.

It was during this period that I began the process of transforming my life. After this
release, I returned to community college and I developed a great relationship with an
academic counselor who gave me the confidence to imagine attending a university. In the
fall of 1998, I transferred to Loyola Marymount University, and in the summer of 2000 I
finally discharged my state parole number. In spring of 2001, I graduated with a
Bachelor’s degree in Theology and a minor in Psychology. In May 2007, I earned
my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California.
In retrospect, the greatest support through this process came from the
many professionals who assisted me by simply listening, motivating,
and being a guide. To be honest, many times I struggled and made
personal choices that were not good for my well-being.
However, today, nearly 10 years from my last parole date, I am
pursing my doctorate in Education Social Justice Leadership.
I believe education has the power to transform. I hope my experience
provides inspiration and a message of hope to any person reentering society
about the opportunities that will come your way if you make the decision to
pursue an education.

28
2550

Appendix A:
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
If you already have a GED or high school diploma and have some time before your release from prison, you
might consider earning college courses while incarcerated. If you are housed at a prison that does not provide
college courses, your only option for earning college credit is through correspondence courses.
Perhaps the best resource to turn to if you are interested in enrolling in correspondence courses is the
Prisoners’ Guerrilla Handbook to Correspondence Programs in the United States and Canada by Jon Marc
Taylor. This is a comprehensive handbook on correspondence courses that are available to people in prison.
Because the most recent edition of the handbook – the 2nd edition – was published in 2002, the costs of these
programs may have increased. However, the handbook is a helpful tool that provides detailed program
overviews and contact information. Also note that as of the writing of this document the publisher has
announced the 3rd edition will be released shortly.
If your correctional facility library or education department does not have a copy, you can find out more about
ordering a copy by writing to one of the following addresses:

2nd Edition:

3rd Edition:

Prison Legal News 			
2400 Northwest 81st Street
Seattle, WA 98117
		

Biddle Publishing Company
13 Gurnet Road
PMB 103
Brunswick, ME 04011

Also, check with the staff in your correctional facility’s education department. They can help you research
programs and make sure you enroll in an accredited correspondence course. See pages 33-35 for more
information on accreditation and why it’s important.

APPENDIX A

51

Appendix B: SAMPLE WEBSITE FOR AN
INTERNET SEARCH ENGINE

Type the
web address into this
address bar to go to a specific
website. Once you type in the web
address remember to hit the
return key

Type key
words into this search box
to search the internet. Once you type
in the words, remember to hit the
return key.

APPENDIX B

52

Appendix C: SAMPLE RESUME
JOHN DOE

Address Line 1
City, State Zip Code
Tel: (xxx)xxx-xxxx
Email: Johndoe@gmail.com

Remember to
choose a professional
username for your email
address.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
2002-2005

Substance Abuse Program Facilitator
NYS Office of Alcohol and Substances Abuse, Naponach, NY
Facilitated daily group sessions. Held clients accountable for program
requirements. Oversaw weekly meetings of group leaders.

1993-2002

Inventory Clerk / Textile Issue
Corcraft Industries, Plattsburg, NY
Received and counted stock items and recorded data. Stored items in an
orderly and accessible manner. Issued textile material to workers.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
1995-1998

HIV/AIDS Peer Educator
AIDS Council of North Eastern New York, Plattsburg, NY
Gave presentations on the perils of the disease, with an emphasis on
prevention and risk reduction.

1992-1993

Tutor
Literacy Volunteers of America, Westchester, NY
Tutored functionally illiterate adults in reading, writing, and math.

Note the way work and
volunteer experience
gained in prison is listed
in these sections

EDUCATION:
2000-2003

Clinton Community College (SUNY), Plattsburg, NY
Associate in Science Degree, Social Science / Humanities, GPA: 3.9

1998

Clinton Adult School, Plattsburg, NY
High School Equivalency

CERTIFICATIONS:
1995 	

AIDS Council of North Eastern New York, Albany, NY
HIV/AIDS Peer Education,120 Hours

1992

Literacy Volunteers of America (Tutoring Program), Westchester, NY
Basic Reading / Math / Writing - ESL Workshop

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:
Computer skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and Publisher
Conversational in Spanish
References available upon request

Appendix D: WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

7am
8am
9am
10am
11am
12pm
1pm
2pm
3pm
4pm
5pm
6pm
7pm
8pm
9pm

APPENDIX D

54

Appendix E: FINANCIAL AID BAN FOR
PEOPLE WITH DRUG CONVICTIONS
How does my conviction record affect my ability to receive
financial aid?

According to federal law, students are unable to receive any federal aid, including grants, loans, and workstudy, if they were convicted of a drug-related offense while receiving federal financial assistance. This federal
law cannot be altered by the states. However, you may still qualify for federal financial aid if a certain period of
time has passed since your conviction(s) or if you have completed drug treatment.

How long will I be unable to receive financial aid if I was
convicted of a drug related crime while receiving finacial
aid?
It depends on the type and frequency of your offense(s).

Drug Possession
First-time convictions: one year of ineligibility
Second offenses: two years of ineligibility
Third offenses: indefinite ineligibility

Sale of a Controlled Substance
First-time convictions: two years of ineligibility
Subsequent offenses: indefinite ineligibility

If the type and frequency of my conviction(s) make me
unable to receive aid, what are my options?
You can still receive financial aid if:
The convictions have been removed from your record; or
You complete an acceptable drug treatment program.

An acceptable drug treatment program must include two random drug tests. It must also meet
one of the following criteria:
Be qualified to receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Be qualified to receive funds from a federal or state licensed insurance company.
Be administered or registered by a federal, state, or local government agency or court.
Be administered or recognized by a federal or state licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical
doctor.
Drug treatment programs offered in prison often meet the above criteria. To find out whether a
program qualifies as an acceptable drug treatment program, ask the program staff.

APPENDIX E

55

How should I answer FAFSA Question 31, which asks
whether I have been convicted of possession or sale of
illegal drugs?

Question 31 on the FAFSA asks “Has the student been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for
an offense that occurred while the student was receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, and/or
work-study)?” To view more information from the U.S. Department of Education about Question 31, go to:
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before013.htm.

Paper applications
If you leave the question blank, the paper form will not be processed.
If you answer “yes” on a paper form, you will receive a Student Aid Eligibility Worksheet for
Question 31 in the mail along with your SAR. The worksheet will ask you a series of questions
that will determine your eligibility for aid, and will give you instructions for changing the
information on your SAR. Once you have made the changes, send back your SAR to the
address provided.

Online applications
If you complete the FAFSA on the internet, you won’t be able to move past this question until
you provide an answer.
If you answer “yes” on the internet form, you will immediately be asked a series of questions that
will determine your eligibility for aid. Until you answer the questions, you will not be allowed to
move on to the next FAFSA question.

Important Warning
The warning on the FAFSA reads: “If you get federal student aid based on incorrect information, you will have to
pay it back; you may also have to pay fines and fees. If you purposely give false or misleading information on your
application, you may be fined $20,000, sent to prison, or both.” We strongly advise you to provide accurate
information when completing the FAFSA.

APPENDIX E

56

Appendix F: FAFSA CHECKLIST
Adapted from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administration
Financial Aid Application Checklist (2006)

	

Date Due
________ 	

Request financial aid information from the school(s) where you are planning to apply.
Ask for information on both need-based and non-need-based grants and scholarships.

________ 	

Request information from your state about all state student aid programs.

________ 	

Check your local library for private sources of financial aid. Also, see the list of websites 		
supplied on page 47 of this guide for scholarship search engines.

________ 	
	

If you plan to file you FAFSA via the internet, go to: http://www.pin.ed.gov to obtain a
Personal Identification Number (PIN). You will use this number to identify yourself
throughout the federal financial aid process.

________ 	
			

________ 	

File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. Be sure
to complete and submit information for any financial aid you are applying for from your
state or school(s).
Respond quickly to any requests you receive from your school regarding your
application. You might be asked to provide additional information.

		
________ 	
			

Ensure your Student Aid Report (SAR) is accurate. You will receive your SAR after you
have submitted your FAFSA.

________ 	
			

Carefully read all application materials and financial aid notifications for due dates and
conditions for receipt or renewal of award.

________ 	

Promptly sign and return your financial aid award letter if your school requires your
signed acceptance of the aid being offered. Contact the financial aid office if you have
any questions about your award.

		
________ 	
			
	

________	

If you applied for assistance but no longer wish to attend the school, notify the financial
aid office as soon as possible.

			
			

Complete the promissory note for any loan(s) you are offered and wish to accept.
Before you sign the promissory note, make sure you read and understand all of your
rights and responsibilities. Check with the financial aid office regarding any loan
counseling you must complete before you may receive the loan proceeds.

	 ________ 	
	
		
			

If you have been awarded work-study assistance, find out from the school’s work-study
coordinator how students are placed in work-study positions and what positions are
available, including descriptions of job responsibilities and wages.

________ 	
			

Notify the financial aid office of any outside or private scholarship, grant, or
other types of student aid you have received or expect to receive.

Keep copies of all application materials and
loan papers in your portfolio.

APPENDIX F

57

Appendix G: STATE DEPARTMENTS OF
EDUCATION, ADULT EDUCATION
DIVISIONS
Alabama

Connecticut

Adult and Community Education Program
P.O. Box 302130
Montgomery, AL 36130-2130
Phone: (334) 353-4886
Toll-Free: (800) 392-8086
Toll-Free Restrictions: AL residents only
Website: http://www.acs.cc.al.us/aed/Overview.aspx

Bureau of Early Childhood Career and Adult Education
25 Industrial Park Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 807-2050
Website: http://www.state.ct.us/sde/

Alaska
Alaska Adult Basic Education
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 25509
Juneau, AK 99802-5509
Phone: (907) 465-8714
Website: http://www.labor.state.ak.us/

Arizona
Adult Education and GED Testing
Department of Education
1535 West Jefferson Street
Bin VIR
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 258-2410, Ext. 200
Website: http://www.ade.az.gov/adult-ed

Arkansas
Arkansas Department of Workforce Education
Three Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201-1083
Phone: (501) 682-1970
Website: http://dwe.arkansas.gov/adultedpage.html

California
Adult Education
Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 4503
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 322-2175
Website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ae/

Colorado
Center for At-Risk Education, Adult Education, and
Family Literacy Services
State Department of Education
Center for At-Risk Education
201 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (303) 866-6640
Website: http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_adult.htm

APPENDIX G

Delaware
Adult Community Education
John W. Collette Education Resource Center
35 Commerce Way, Suite One
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 857-3340
Website: http://www.acenetwork.org/

District of Columbia
State Education Agency, Adult Education and
Family Literacy
University of the District of Columbia
Building 52, Room 302
4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 274-7181
Website: http://www.literacydc.org/

Florida
Adult and Vocational Education
State Department of Education
Division of Workforce Development
644 Turlington Education Building
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Phone: (850) 245-9906
Website:
http://www.firn.edu/doe/workforce/adult_ed.htm

Georgia
Department of Technical and Adult Education
Office of Adult Literacy
1800 Century Place, NE, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30345-4304
Phone: (404) 679-1635
Website: http://www.dtae.org/

Hawaii
Adult Education Office
State Department of Education
Community Education Section
475 22nd Avenue, Room 124
Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: (808) 735-8371
Website: http://www.doe.k12.hi.us/

58

Idaho

Louisiana

Adult Basic Education Office
Department of Education
650 West State Street
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0027
Phone: (208) 332-6933
Website:
http://www.sde.state.id.us/certification/AdultEd.asp

Division of Family, Career, and Technical Education
State Department of Education
P.O. Box 94064
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064
Phone: (225) 342-3336
Toll-Free: (877) 453-2721
Website: http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/index.html

Illinois
Adult Education and Family Literacy
State Community College Board
401 East Capitol Avenue
Springfield, IL 62701-1711
Phone: (217) 785-0171
Website: http://www.iccb.state.il.us

Indiana
Division of Adult Education
Statehouse, Room 229
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2798
Phone: (317) 232-0522
Website: http://doe.state.in.us/adulted/welcome.html

Iowa
Adult Education
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E. 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0146
Phone: (515) 281-3636
Website: http://www.readiowa.org/

Kansas
Adult Education
Kansas Board of Regents
1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 520
Topeka, KS 66612-1368
Phone: (785) 296-7159
Website: http://www.kansasregents.org/

Kentucky
Kentucky Adult Education
Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 250
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 573-5114
Toll-Free: (800) 928-7323
TTY: (800) 928-7323
Website: http://www.kyae.ky.gov/

APPENDIX G

Maine
Adult Education
Department of Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0023
Phone: (207) 624-6750
TTY: (207) 624-6800
Website:
http://www.maine.gov/education/aded/dev/index.htm

Maryland
Division of Career Technology and Adult Learning
State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 767-0162
Website: http://www.research.umbc.edu/~ira/

Massachusetts
State Department of Adult Education
Department of Education
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148-5023
Phone: (781) 338-3801
TTY: (800) 439-2370
Website: http://www.doe.mass.edu/acls/

Michigan
Adult Education Unit
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth
Victor Office Center
201 North Washington Square, Third Floor
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: (517) 373-8800
TTY: (888) 605-6722
Website: http://www.michigan.gov/adulteducation/

Minnesota
Adult Basic Education
State Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: (651) 582-8442
Website: http://mnabe.themlc.org/

59

Mississippi

New Jersey

Mississippi State Board for Community and
Junior Colleges
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Phone: (601) 432-6481
Website: http://www.sbcjc.cc.ms.us/

Office of Vocational-Technical, Career, and
Innovative Programs
P.O. Box 500
100 River View Executive Plaza
Trenton, NJ 08625-0500
Phone: (609) 633-0665
Toll-Free: (877) 652-2733
Toll-Free Restrictions: NJ residents only
Website: http://www.nj.gov/njded/voc/

Missouri
Adult Education Office
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
P. O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-1249
Website:
http://dese.mo.gov/divcareered/adult_ed_and_literacy
_index.htm

Montana
Division of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
Office of Public Instruction
P.O. Box 202501
1227 11th Avenue
Helena, MT 59620-2501
Phone: (406) 444-9019
Toll-Free: (888) 231-9393
TTY: (406) 444-0169
Website:
http://www.opi.mt.gov/CareerTechEd/Index.html

Nebraska
Adult Education
State Department of Education
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 94987
Lincoln, NE 68509-4987
Phone: (402) 471-4807
TTY: (402) 471-2295
Website: http://www.nde.state.ne.us/ADED/home.htm

Nevada
Adult Education Office
Nevada Department of Education
Career, Technical, and Adult Education Office
700 East Fifth Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Phone: (775) 687-9104
Website: http://www.literacynet.org/nvadulted/

New Hampshire
Bureau of Adult Education
State Department of Education
Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation
21 South Fruit Street, Suite #20
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-6698
Toll-Free: (800) 735-2964
Website: http://www.nhadulted.org/

APPENDIX G

New Mexico
Adult Basic Education
State Higher Education Department
1068 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 476-6500
Website: http://hed.state.nm.us/

New York
Adult Education Program
State Education Department
Room 319 Education Building
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 474-8892
Website:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/workforce/offices/adult.html

North Carolina
Basic Skills Program
North Carolina Community College System
5016 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-5016
Phone: (919) 807-7132
Website:
http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/Basic_Skills/in
dex.html

North Dakota
Adult Education Division
Department of Public Instruction
State Capitol Building
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 201
Bismarck, ND 58505-0440
Phone: (701) 328-2393
Website:
http://www.dpi.state.nd.us/adulted/index.shtm

Ohio
Adult Basic and Literacy Education
Ohio Department of Education
Mail Stop 614
25 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215-4183
Phone: (614) 466-5015
Website:
http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/
ODEPrimary.aspx?Page

60

Oklahoma

Tennessee

Lifelong Learning Section
State Department of Education
Oliver Hodge Memorial Education Building
Room 115
2500 North Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone: (405) 521-3321
Toll-Free: (800) 405-0355
Website: http://sde.state.ok.us/home/defaultie.html

Division of Adult Education
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Davy Crockett Tower, 11th Floor
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37245
Phone: (615) 741-7054
Toll-Free: (800) 531-1515
Website: http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/

Oregon

Texas

Department of Community Colleges and
Workforce Development
255 Capitol Street, NE
Salem, OR 97310
Phone: (503) 378-8648, Ext. 375
Website: http://www.oregon.gov/CCWD/

Division of Adult Education
Texas LEARNS
6311 Irvington Boulevard
Houston, TX 77022
Phone: (713) 696-0700
Toll-Free: (866) 696-4233
Website: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/adult/

Pennsylvania

Utah

Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education
State Department of Education
333 Market Street, 12th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
Phone: (717) 772-3737
Website: http://www.able.state.pa.us/

Rhode Island
Rhode Island Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education
Shepard Building
255 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903-3414
Phone: (401) 222-4600
Website: http://www.ridoe.net/adulted_ged/Default.htm

South Carolina
Office of Adult and Community Education
Department of Education
Rutledge Building, Room 902
1429 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 734-8071
Website:
http://www.myscschools.com/offices/ace/

South Dakota
Adult Education and Literacy Office
Department of Labor
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501-2291
Phone: (605) 773-3101
TTY: (605) 773-3101
Website:
http://www.state.sd.us/applications/LD01DOL/default.
asp

APPENDIX G

Utah State Adult Education Section
250 East 500 South
P.O. Box 144200
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200
Phone: (801) 538-7824
Website:
http://www.schools.utah.gov/adulted/home.htm

Vermont
Adult Basic Education
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-2501
Phone: (802) 828-3134
Website: http://www.vermontcareers.org/index.htm

Virginia
Office of Adult Education and Literacy
State Department of Education
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218-2120
Phone: (804) 786-3347
Toll-Free: (800) 292-3820
Website:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/Adult

Washington
Office of Adult Literacy
State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
319 Seventh Avenue
P. O. Box 42495
Olympia, WA 98504-2495
Phone: (360) 704-4326
Website:
http://www.sbctc.ctc.edu/college/e_abe.aspx

61

West Virginia
Adult Basic Education
State Department of Education
Building 6, Room 230
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: (304) 558-5616
Website: http://www.wvabe.org/

Wisconsin
Wisconsin Technical College System
P.O. Box 7874
4622 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53707-7874
Phone: (608) 266-7983
Website: http://www.wtcsystem.edu

Wyoming
Adult Basic Education Office
Department of Workforce Services
2020 Carey Avenue, Eighth Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: (307) 777-7885
Website: http://www.wyomingworkforce.org

APPENDIX G

62

GLOSSARY

		
Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) Test: A test you must take if you want to apply for federal financial aid but do not have a high
school diploma or GED. Samples of ATB tests are: American College Testing (ACT), ASSET Program: Basic Skills Tests,
and Career Programs Assessment (CPAT) Basic Skills Subtests.

Academic Year: Period of instruction at a college or university. The academic year typically runs from September to
June.

Accreditation: A quality assurance process through which a school’s or institution’s services and operations are
examined by an independent agency to determine if it meets certain industry standards. If the institution meets the
accrediting agency’s standards, it receives “accredited” status from the agency.

Affirmation Statement: A statement on the FAFSA form indicating that the information you have provided is
accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Basic Skills: Often referred to as life skills. Basic skills are skills needed in everyday life, including reading, writing,
math and computer literacy.

Case Management: One-on-one assessment, planning, assistance, and support. Case managers can help you by
providing options and services to meet your particular needs and challenges.

Certificates of Rehabilitation: A generalized term that refers to orders granted by judges or administrative bodies like
a state’s parole board. These orders restore rights or remove automatic restrictions or bars stemming from a conviction.

Community-Based Organization: A non-profit organization that provides services within specific communities and is
not operated by the government.

Community College: A public education institution that offers a wide variety of services which may include Literacy/
Adult Basic Education programs, vocational programs, and two-year degree programs. Community colleges do not offer
four-year or advanced degrees although some universities use community college campuses as sites to offer their
advanced courses.

Credit-Bearing Course: A course that can count towards earning a degree, diploma, or certificate (if you earn a
passing grade).

Credit Hours: The number of weekly instruction hours for a course throughout the term. For example, a three-credit
hour course will require you to participate in three hours of class time each week.

Dependent: A student who does not support him/herself financially. The parent or guardian of a dependent student must
submit financial information on the FAFSA so the student can be considered eligible for financial aid.

Diagnosis: Determination or analysis of the cause or nature of a problem.
Distance Learning: Programs that allow you to earn course credit at off-campus locations through the use of
television, internet, satellite classes, videotapes, or correspondence courses.

Drop Down Menu: A feature on a website that you click in order to display a list of items. You can click on the items in
the list to access more information.

Dual Enrollment Program: A program that allows students who have not earned a high school diploma or GED to
earn college credit while completing a high school diploma or GED. Typically dual credit programs are offered by community colleges.

GLOSSARY

63

Federal Perkins Loans: A low-interest loan provided by schools and available to undergraduate and graduate
students. Perkins loans must be repaid to the school.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Federal grant funds made available through
some schools to a limited number of undergraduate students with financial need.

Financial Aid Administrator: An individual employed by a college, university, or other school who prepares financial
aid awards and works with students who have questions about financing their education.

Financial Aid Office: The office at a college or university that handles all aspects of financial aid for the school. The
financial aid office can provide answers to questions concerning financial aid.

Four-Year College: A public or private academic institution that offers Bachelor’s degrees. Generally four-year colleges
do not offer advanced degrees.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): An application that must be completed to receive federal
financial aid. States and colleges also use the FAFSA to award financial aid.

General Education Development (GED): A certificate students receive if they pass an approved high school
equivalence test. Note that the term “GED” is used to describe the certificate you earn when you pass the GED test, as
well as the test itself.

General Education Requirements: Courses college students are required to complete to meet the basic
requirements for a degree. General education requirements are usually completed during the first two years of college.
Usually, students at a community college must complete the general education requirements before transferring to a
four-year college or university.

Grade Point Average (GPA): A numerical average that reflects your performance in school. Each letter grade is given
a value and you add those values together. Typically, a student’s GPA is calculated by multiplying course credits by the
value assigned to the letter grade received in each course (usually an A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, etc.). Then add up the grade
points for each course to calculate the semester total and divide this total by the number of credits taken.

Graduate Student: A student enrolled in an academic program who is working towards a degree higher than a
Bachelor’s, such as a Ph.D. or Master’s degree.

Grants: Money available from public and private sources that does not have to be repaid.
Immunization Records: Papers signed by your physician indicating you have received vaccinations that are required
by the school where you are applying. Typically, colleges require proof of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccinations.
Some schools might require additional vaccinations.

Interest: An amount charged for borrowing money. Interest is calculated as a percent of the amount you owe.
Learning Difference: A neurological condition that interferes with a person’s ability to store, process, or produce
information. Learning differences can affect a person’s ability to read, write, speak, spell, compute math, and reason.
They can also affect a person’s attention, memory, coordination, social skills and emotional maturity. Learning differences
affect people of normal intelligence and are not the result of an emotional disturbance or physical impairment.

Letter of Recommendation: A letter that provides additional information about an applicant and recommends his or
her acceptance to the program, college, or job.

Notarized: The certification of a document by a public officer who holds a current notary’s license.
Official Transcript: A transcript that is received directly from the school that issues it. Transcripts include a list of
courses taken and grades received. Typically, the transcript will have an official seal on in, a date, and will be signed by a
representative of the institution. The transcript will arrive in a sealed envelope and must remain sealed until it is delivered
to the program or school to which you are applying to be considered official.

GLOSSARY

64

Outstanding Student Loans: Loans taken out for educational purposes that have not been repaid and are
accumulating interest.

Pell Grant Program: The largest federal grant program in the United States. Eligibility and award amounts are
determined by the school based on federal guidelines. With few exceptions, Pell grants are available only to
undergraduate students.

Personal Identification Number (PIN): A sequence of numbers assigned to you after you file your FAFSA. Your PIN
enables you to make FAFSA corrections online, file a renewal application for the next year, and view information online
about loans and grants you have received. Other programs may issue you PINs for use only in their programs. Be sure
to keep a confidential record of your PINs.

Personal Statement: An essay explaining why you want to attend the college or program to which you are applying.
Personal statements should focus on your interests and experiences as they relate to the particular program or college.

Post-Secondary Education: Education beyond a high school diploma or GED, including vocational certificates and
degrees, academic degrees, and advanced degrees.

Prison Release Papers: Official documents issued to you by the prison when you are released. Prison release papers
can sometimes be used as a form of identification. They can also be used as proof that you were in prison for such issues
as Selective Service and financial aid (see pages 23-24 and 42-46 respectively).

Remedial Courses: Courses that help students reach the required education level to enroll in credit-bearing courses.
Remedial courses are not credit-bearing and typically cover the subjects of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): A requirement to receive federal aid. Satisfactory academic progress
standards are established by each school and are usually based on your GPA.

Scholarships: Awards given to students based on academic performance or financial need. These awards are
provided by public and private organizations and do not have to be repaid.

School Term: A division of an academic year during which a school, college or university holds classes. School terms
may be called “semesters,” “quarters,” or “trimesters,” depending on the institution. Semesters are usually four-month
terms, each lasting between 15 and 18 weeks. A quarter or trimester (three-month term) lasts between eight and 12
weeks, and there are typically three per year.

Selective Service: The process by which the U.S. government administers involuntary military enrollment. Registration
with the Selective Service is required for all males between the ages of 18 and 25.

Soft Skills: Often referred to as “people skills.” Soft skills include communication and leadership skills.
Stafford Loans: Low-interest loans available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited college
or university at least part-time. Stafford loans are the most common form of financial aid.

Student Aid Report (SAR): The report confirming the information you included on your FAFSA.
Student Loans: Allow students to borrow money for school. Loans are legal obligations which must be repaid with
interest. Loan programs available depend on the school.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A federal income supplement program helping aged, blind, and disabled
people who have little or no income and providing cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

Tuition: A fee charged for educational instruction.
Undergraduate Student: A student working towards a Bachelor’s degree at a college or university.
University: An institution of higher education that grants advanced degrees in addition to other degrees and certificates.

GLOSSARY

65

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): A federal program designed to help individuals with mental and physical disabilities
find employment. Each state operates VR programs which provide services such as counseling, medical and
psychological services, and job training.

Work-Study: A federal financial aid program that gives part-time or full-time students the opportunity to work up to 20
hours per week while being enrolled in school.

GLOSSARY

66