Fewer Than 2% of Illinois Inmates Enrolled in College Programs

Mayor Brandon Johnson visits Sheridan Correctional Center to discuss prison education opportunities and challenges.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A vibrant, abstract grid of colorful silkscreen images depicting educational supplies like textbooks and a graduation cap, conveying the concept of the transformative power of prison education.Education behind bars can open doors to a brighter future, but access remains limited for Illinois' incarcerated population.Chicago Today

Fewer than 2% of the over 30,000 incarcerated people in Illinois are enrolled in college-level programs, despite research showing education leads to better outcomes for those leaving prison. The upcoming Prisoncast! radio program from WBEZ Chicago will explore the possibilities and obstacles of getting an education behind bars, including interviews with inmates, advocates, and loved ones.

Why it matters

Education is a key factor in reducing recidivism rates and helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities. However, with only 12 college programs available in 10 of the 30 Illinois Department of Corrections facilities, access to higher education remains extremely limited for the state's prison population.

The details

During a recent visit to Sheridan Correctional Center, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke with incarcerated students in the Northwestern Prison Education Program about topics ranging from public education to affordable housing. Darvin Henderson, an incarcerated student working toward his degree, expressed surprise at the opportunity to 'rub elbows with people at the top' despite being incarcerated. The upcoming Prisoncast! radio program will feature stories from inmates, advocates, and loved ones on the challenges and transformative potential of prison education.

  • The Prisoncast! radio program will air on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson visited Sheridan Correctional Center recently to speak with incarcerated students.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who visited Sheridan Correctional Center to speak with incarcerated students.

Darvin Henderson

An incarcerated student working toward his degree at Sheridan Correctional Center who expressed surprise at the opportunity to interact with influential figures like the mayor.

Northwestern Prison Education Program

A college-level program operating in Illinois prisons that provides educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals.

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What they’re saying

“'Take that same energy and help me build an economy that works for everyone so we don't need prisons.'”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

“'Those opportunities never even was available, and look: I'm in the prison, people would think I'm at the bottom, and yet I'm rubbing elbows with people at the top.'”

— Darvin Henderson, Incarcerated student

What’s next

The upcoming Prisoncast! radio program on April 12th will provide further insights and perspectives from inmates, advocates, and loved ones on the challenges and importance of prison education in Illinois.

The takeaway

While less than 2% of Illinois' incarcerated population is currently enrolled in college-level programs, the potential for education to transform lives and reduce recidivism rates remains clear. Expanding access to higher education in prisons could have a significant positive impact on individuals, families, and communities across the state.