California inmates can take college classes, but often with no internet and limited tech

In California, inmates face considerable challenges in pursuing higher education due to stringent restrictions on technology and internet access. Many prisons still ban most technological tools, forcing students to rely on outdated methods such as textbooks and handwritten assignments. Research shows that education can significantly reduce recidivism rates, yet the U. S. prison system's punitive approach hampers these opportunities.

Bidhan Roy, director of Cal State L. A. ’s Prison Graduation Initiative, emphasizes the need for a transformative educational environment, contrasting it with the more restorative approach seen in Norwegian prisons. Although California has made strides by providing access to EBSCO's online resources, students still encounter limitations with the pre-approved materials available to them. Suzanne Carlson, a student in the program, notes the inadequacy of the small prison library and the need for broader internet access.

Other states have successfully introduced firewalled internet options, allowing inmates to access educational websites while maintaining security. These examples illustrate that expanding educational opportunities in prisons is not only possible but essential for successful reintegration into society.