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      How can my incarcerated loved one obtain a Pell Grant for college education?

      Incarcerated individuals can access Federal Pell Grants for postsecondary education if enrolled in an approved Prison Education Program (PEP) or Second Chance Pell program.

      Effective July 1, 2023, incarcerated individuals may have access to Federal Pell Grants (Pell Grants) to pursue postsecondary education opportunities. To access these Pell Grants, incarcerated students must be enrolled in an approved Prison Education Program (PEP) or a Second Chance Pell program.

      Each college/university determines their specific program offerings, admissions requirements and will coordinate with FDC to determine an incarcerated individual’s suitability for enrollment.  College degree programs are operational at the following institutions:

      1. Everglades CI
      2. Everglades Re-Entry (Miami-Dade College) 
      3. Graceville CF
      4. Kissimmee Community Release Center (Ashland University)
      5. Liberty CI
      6. Lawtey CI
      7. Lowell CI (Judson College at Southeastern--Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)
      8. Lowell Annex
      9. Marion CI
      10. Martin CI graduated (Palm Beach State College)
      11. Sago Palm Re-Entry (Palm Beach State College)
      12. South Bay CF (Huntington Jr. College) 

      Interested incarcerated individuals should not complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) until they are housed at a PEP or Second Chance Pell institution and are working directly with the college partner to cooperatively complete and submit the application. 

      Pell Grants cover tuition, fees, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, and the cost of obtaining a license, certification, or a first professional credential. Incarcerated students are not eligible to directly receive Pell Grant funds during incarceration—Pell Grant funds are directly received by the College/University and applied toward allowable expenses.

      Additional information can be obtained on these links:

      * Documents were created by FDC in cooperation with and under the advertisement of the Vera Institute, the USDOE Second Chance Pell Program technical advisors. 

      As of November 6th, 2024 there were 251 incarcerated people participating in college degree programs throughout FDC.

      FDC is actively working with interested College and University partners to establish PEPs at various institutions throughout the state. This is a multi-step process that includes compliance with all the newly established federal Pell Grant requirements, review from an education accreditation agency and final approval from the US Department of Education.  Contact your institution directly if you believe a program might be starting up for more information.

      (Updated 3/16/25)