Texarkana College Trustees received an update from Dr. Dixon Boyles, Vice President of Instruction, on the college’s efforts to broaden its prison education programs. This expansion comes on the heels of federal legislation under the FAFSA Simplification Act, which restored Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students in both federal and state prisons.
Dr. Boyles highlighted the significance of the new policy, which became effective in July 2023. “The recent Congressional decision has opened doors for incarcerated individuals to gain better access to higher education,” Boyles said. He noted that Texarkana College (TC) has successfully run education programs at the Barry B. Telford Unit for years and sees this new ruling as a chance to grow these services and extend them to the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Texarkana.
Currently, at the Telford Unit, TC offers a welding course to nine incarcerated students who are working toward earning an Occupational Skills Award (OSA). These students are also on track to earn a one-year Certificate in Welding, with a second group set to begin the program later this year. Dr. Boyles expressed hope that the program will not only improve the lives of those incarcerated but also contribute to a safer environment both inside and outside of prison. Research by the U.S. Department of Education shows that participation in postsecondary education programs can reduce the likelihood of re-incarceration by 28%, thereby enhancing public safety.
To support this initiative, TC has applied to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for designation as a Prison Education Program (PEP). This status is required for the college to offer Pell Grant-funded educational programs to incarcerated individuals. While awaiting this designation, TC is also working with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to begin offering non-credit courses at FCI-Texarkana as early as this fall.
Dr. Boyles emphasized the college’s leadership role in seeking PEP designation, describing the process as thorough and time-consuming. He noted the significant differences in regulations between offering services to federal inmates versus those in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system. Despite these challenges, TC is making steady progress, with the goal of securing approval from the Department of Education by year’s end to offer Pell-eligible credit courses at FCI-Texarkana.
The planned programs at FCI-Texarkana will focus on high-quality training in welding and electrical technology, providing inmates with the opportunity to earn workforce certificates or pursue an associate degree. Dr. Boyles praised the dedication of TC’s staff, who are collaborating closely with FCI-Texarkana personnel to ensure top-notch instruction for incarcerated students.
Doug Saffel, Director of Prison Education Programs at TC, and Kelley Coleman, Assistant Director, are spearheading these efforts. Both bring extensive experience in education and working with incarcerated individuals. Saffel, a distinguished history and government professor, has been recognized for his excellence in teaching, while Coleman also serves as a member of TC’s English faculty.
For more details on Texarkana College’s prison education programs, Doug Saffel can be reached at 903-823-3228 or via email at doug.saffel@texarkanacollege.edu.
