Books In Bars
Books In Bars
Mission
Our Cause
Books In Bars is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting higher education in the prison system. Our mission is to reduce recidivism rates and aid in the rehabilitation of inmates through educational initiatives. By providing access to educational resources and programs, we aim to empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives and successfully reintegrate into society.
Through our commitment to education, we believe in the transformative power of knowledge and learning to break the cycle of incarceration and create opportunities for a brighter future.
Why Support?
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​Funding educational programs inside penitentiaries is more cost-effective than reincarceration costs (Koo, 2016).
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Reducing recidivism through educational programs will save states millions of dollars (Koo, 2016).
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Every $1 million invested in incarceration prevented 350 crimes. Conversely, one million dollars on educational prison programs prevented 600 crimes (Koo, 2016).
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Federal Prisons
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) consist of 122 institutions.
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According to the FBOP, Pell Grants funded college programs at only 14 institutions.
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On September 13, 2024, the FBOP approved Illinois Central College as the First Prison Education Program Inside the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FCI Pekin).
Our Team
Dedicated Professionals
Dr. Matthew J. Wzorek
Ph.D in Criminal Justice
Founder & President​
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Thousands of individuals are released from prison every year, and every year, former inmates are sentenced to another term of imprisonment. As I sought ways to assist the criminal justice system in reducing recidivism, I conducted an extensive three-year research study in the Western District of North Carolina that measured the relationship between recidivism and education. The answer is quite simple. Individuals who obtained a higher education are less likely to return to prison. The results of my study confirmed with previous research that education is a vital component in reducing the prison population and the likelihood of a former inmate returning to prison. As the visionary behind Books In Bars, my ultimate goal is to financially support higher education inside every federal prison in the United States.
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Email: Booksinbars2024@gmail.com
Phone: (570) 903-5639
Meet the passionate individuals who drive Books In Bars' mission forward. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals from diverse backgrounds, united in their commitment to making a difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals.