Hannah Sutton discusses barriers for incarcerated students accessing federal student aid

The Financial Aid Advisory Committee (FAAC) meeting held on June 5, 2025, by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) focused on the challenges and solutions related to financial aid accessibility for incarcerated students. The meeting featured a presentation by Hannah Sutton, program director of Opportunity Resource Services (ORS), alongside her colleague Andrea Jackson, who works directly with incarcerated individuals.

Sutton began by outlining ORS's mission to combat generational poverty in Texas through education, particularly for first-generation college students and those involved in the criminal justice system. ORS operates several educational programs, including Educational Opportunity Centers and Upward Bound programs, serving over 3,100 disadvantaged youth and adults annually.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the barriers faced by incarcerated students in accessing higher education and financial aid. Sutton highlighted that while many incarcerated individuals are eligible for federal student aid, less than 2% of those in Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities are enrolled in post-secondary education programs. This is despite nearly 50% being eligible for Pell Grants.

Key barriers identified included:

1. **Digital Literacy and Technology Access**: Many incarcerated students lack basic digital skills and access to technology, which hinders their ability to navigate financial aid processes. Sutton emphasized the need for enhanced computer literacy programs and better access to technology within correctional facilities.

2. **ID Recovery**: Incarcerated individuals often lose vital documents, making it difficult to access financial aid. Sutton advocated for recognizing prison-issued IDs as valid for financial aid applications.

3. **Conviction History**: Misunderstandings about how conviction history affects federal student aid eligibility were discussed. Many students believe that having a felony record disqualifies them from receiving aid, despite recent changes in the FAFSA regulations.

4. **Obtaining Official Transcripts**: The lack of access to high school transcripts poses a significant barrier for those seeking to prove their educational qualifications. Sutton noted that while ORS assists with transcript costs, many incarcerated individuals face financial challenges in obtaining these documents.

5. **Student Loan Default**: The issue of student loans in default was highlighted as a barrier for both incarcerated students and those preparing for reentry. Sutton pointed out the lack of clear guidance on how to resolve defaulted loans, which complicates their educational pursuits.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration between educational institutions and organizations like ORS to improve access to financial aid and educational resources for incarcerated individuals. The committee emphasized the importance of expanding prison education programs and increasing awareness of financial aid opportunities to support successful reentry into society.

Overall, the discussions underscored the critical need for systemic changes to enhance educational access for incarcerated students, ultimately aiming to reduce recidivism and promote social mobility through higher education.