College Behind Bars

"College Behind Bars" is an insightful and transformative documentary series that aired on PBS in 2019. Directed by the award-winning filmmaker Lynn Novick and produced by esteemed documentarian Ken Burns, this compelling 4-part series delves into the lives of several incarcerated men and women in New York State who endeavor to transform their lives through higher education.

The series offers an intimate and gripping view into the world of the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI), one of the most pioneering and stringent education programs in U.S prisons. Launched in 1999 by Bard College, the BPI gives incarcerated students the chance to earn a Bard College degree while serving their sentences. Challenging the conventional wisdom that prison education is soft on crime, "College Behind Bars" instead provides a compelling argument for the transformative power that education holds for individuals typically written off by society.

Throughout its four compelling episodes, "College Behind Bars" examines the students' personal journeys, as well as the broader systemic issues. It lays out the pathways these individuals intentionally choose, opting for intellectual rigor and hard work over the crushing monotony and despair that usually characterize prison life. The series peels back the often-stereotyped layers of the incarcerated, presenting them as real people with hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations, showcasing their immense potential.

Each episode of "College Behind Bars" provides a multidimensional view of the inmates' world, focusing on their academic life behind bars and the resilience required to obtain a degree under the most challenging of circumstances. It features a rich tapestry of perspectives, from the sociology major who fuels his thirst for knowledge despite the grinding routine of prison life, to the biology student who views her studies as a lifeline that connects her to the world outside. Viewers witness a vivid and stark portrayal of prison life and the systemic challenges that incarcerated students have to navigate, while they chronicle their transformational journey through higher education.

The series also draws attention to the logistical, societal, and psychological challenges faced by these learners, from acquiring the necessary textbooks to weathering the skepticism of prison guards, from dealing with the separation from their families to grappling with the heavy weight of their past actions. "College Behind Bars" elucidates the conviction, courage, and unwavering spirit these students demonstrate in their quest for a better life through education.

In the background, "College Behind Bars" astutely brings to the forefront larger societal issues — including the debate surrounding mass incarceration in America, the efficacy of the US penal system, and the perceived purpose and cost of rehabilitation initiatives. The series offers an inspection into the stark divide between punishment and rehabilitation philosophies in the country, while subtly igniting a conversation about the value of higher education for all, not just the privileged.

Behind the scenes, the series features the work of the dedicated educators who believe in the transformative power of education for prisoners. It’s here that we gain insight into their journey, musings, and steadfast determination in fostering an environment of learning and growth despite the austere surroundings. They challenge their students with demanding college-level work and encourage them to wrestle with complex ideas, nurturing critical thinking and intellectual debate.

"College Behind Bars" not only challenges our notion of what education in prison can look like, but also spotlights the resilience, intellect, and potential that resides even behind high walls and barbed wire. It serves as a reminder of the societal value and essential human dignity attaining an education can confer, cutting through stigma and doubt.

A must-watch for anyone interested in criminal justice reform, higher education, or powerful human transformation stories, "College Behind Bars" is an insightful, illuminating series that scratches at the underbelly of the American criminal justice system, while offering hope for the transformative potential of higher education, regardless of the circumstance.