After a 20-year ban on federal funding for incarcerated individuals, access to Pell Grants has been reinstated, opening new opportunities for imprisoned students. With the grants restored and a simplified FAFSA process, those in prison now have an improved chance for academic advancement.

Despite these improvements, experts say there are still many barriers for those in prison who want to receive an education while completing their sentencing.

Watch “Pell Grants Return for the Incarcerated, but Applying Remains a Challenge” to learn more about the relationship between Pell Grants, education, and incarceration.