Data-Driven Academic Reentry – Building Seamless Academic Reentry Pathways from College in Prison to Post Incarceration

An afternoon slot on the final day of a conference is rarely ideal for attendance—but that wasn’t the case for our Data-Driven Academic Reentry session. The room was packed, with standing room only, for a panel featuring CPEP’s Sarah Cushman and Tess Pendergrast alongside colleagues from SUNY and CUNY.

Sarah and Tess shared how we use the Education Justice Tracker (EJT) and other research to shape and strengthen our academic reentry efforts.  The group discussed the types of data they engage and why, what datasets don’t always show about lived experiences, lessons from practice, and how collaboration between programs is essential for improving outcomes for students.