For many individuals entering the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, educational challenges pose a significant hurdle. Most of the incarcerated population enters ODOC with academic skills at roughly a middle-school level, making the achievement of a college degree a significant accomplishment.
Through their hard work, determination and the support of ODOC’s Education staff, 65 incarcerated individuals earned college degrees in August. They join 75 individuals who earned their high school equivalency (HSE) and 55 who earned pre-HSE and literacy certificates during the month.
These accomplishments mean more than what is printed on a diploma or certificate. They represent perseverance, personal growth and skills that can help individuals build a more successful future when they return to Oklahoma communities.
Education is also an important public-safety tool. Research has consistently found a connection between correctional education and reduced recidivism. According to a Bureau of Justice Assistance-sponsored meta-analysis, individuals who participated in correctional education programs had, on average, 43% lower odds of recidivating than those who did not participate.
“Education is essential to helping those in our care succeed upon reentering society,” said ODOC Executive Director Justin Farris. “I’m very proud of our staff, who teach, help guide and spend long hours with the inmate population to ensure they achieve their educational goals.”
Excluding August's numbers, in 2026, 82 individuals have earned college degrees (with 14 being the most in one month), 224 have earned their HSE and 443 have earned pre-HSE and literacy certificates. Each accomplishment represents another opportunity to prepare for successful reentry and contributes to ODOC’s mission of building a stronger Oklahoma by transforming lives in a safe, rehabilitative and compassionate environment.
