����TV����

Arizona, represented by the ����TV���� and key state partners, has been selected as one of five states to participate in a new, aimed at expanding access to quality postsecondary education for students impacted by the criminal justice system.

Launched by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association () in partnership with the , the Community of Practice includes Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota and Virginia. Each will evaluate policies, remove barriers to access and promote high-quality, workforce-aligned educational opportunities for currently or formerly incarcerated individuals.

In Arizona, the board will work in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR), coordinating efforts and sharing expertise to build a sustainable, cross-sector approach that advances postsecondary success for this student population. Initial planning meetings have begun, and all partners are eager to formalize this collaboration through participation in the SHEEO Community of Practice.

“Arizona has the nineteenth highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 35,000 people incarcerated and more than 5,300 individuals currently served by ADCRR's Community Reentry division, including parole and community supervision,” said ABOR Executive Director Chad Sampson. “To improve the likelihood of success after release from incarceration, our university system is committed to working with SHEEO and the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry to pilot comprehensive education, training and support services for individuals in ADCRR custody. Working together, we can make meaningful progress towards breaking the cycle of incarceration, promote successful reintegration into society and reduce unemployment rates for individuals leaving the prison system.” 

Expanding access to postsecondary education for formerly incarcerated individuals is closely aligned with Arizona’s statewide goals for higher education, workforce development and public safety. Arizona’s commitment to advancing postsecondary success for students affected by the criminal justice system is underscored by , which formally launched the Reentry 2030 initiative.

This statewide initiative prioritizes evidence-based strategies to reduce recidivism, expand economic opportunity and strengthen public safety by scaling access to education, workforce training and employment for people leaving incarceration. The order sets bold goals to increase the number of people leaving prison with an industry-recognized credential or apprenticeship by 30% and to boost employment one-year post-release by 20%.

“Current reentry planning and wraparound support services are often insufficient to address the multifaceted needs of individuals returning to the community,” said ADCRR regional education director Jennifer Spaniak. “We look forward to participating in this Community of Practice and building upon our previous work with Arizona State University to support reentry, skill development and long-term success for students returning to their communities.”

As part of the program, participating states and organizations will focus on four core areas of discovery:

• Assessing current prison education program (PEP) policies to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Streamlining access to postsecondary education for incarcerated learners.
• Aligning educational offerings with workforce needs to ensure credentials earned in carceral settings have labor market value.
• Fostering stronger partnerships across sectors to sustain and scale these efforts.

Community-based organizations, such as , will contribute their expertise to advance fair chance initiatives and build collaboratives that support the various needs of formerly incarcerated individuals, while also meeting the needs of the business community.

“Arizona is in a great position to make notable progress by developing feasible, low-cost opportunities to create effective pathways for individuals coming home from the justice system,” said Emma Garcia, chief community development and engagement officer at Valley of the Sun United Way. “Working together to develop solutions that can improve unemployment rates and increase access to education makes our communities better for everyone. We’re proud to be working alongside the ����TV���� and other partners to advance this important initiative.”