An evaluation of prison-based theological education: current and former students’ perspectives

Abstract Increasing access to higher education in prison is a topic of growing concern among researchers and correctional staff. The current evaluation analyzed data collected from 109 interviews in California, Texas, and Kansas with currently incarcerated students of a prison-based theological education program called The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) and with formerly incarcerated graduates who had participated in the program while they were incarcerated. In addition, 157 surveys were collected from individuals in California, Texas, Kansas, and Colorado who were currently incarcerated and formerly incarcerated program graduates. This study highlighted participants’ perceived impact of TUMI, particularly on how they perceive overall program quality, areas for improvement, self-rated psychological well-being, and evaluation of prosocial thinking, behavior, and relationships, all of which contribute to identity change and desistance.