"A Bronx Oasis": Henry's Research Unfolds the Power of Education in Prison

We are excited to share the recent research publication by our former intern, Henry James (C'22), that takes a deep dive into our Ignacio House of Studies program in the Bronx. The paper, titled "A Bronx Oasis: The Effect of College Programs in Prison and the Community of Ignacio House," explores the transformative impact of education on individuals navigating their way back into society after incarceration.

The research presented by Henry unravels the incredible power of education in prison in reducing recidivism rates, from a staggering 66% down to an impressive 2% for graduates of college programs within these institutions. However, the question Henry sought to answer was how and why this phenomenon occurs. To explore this, Henry spent three weeks at the Ignacio House of Studies, founded in 2019 by Rev. Zach Presutti, S.J., as a transitional community for men who had pursued a college education while incarcerated.

Henry James (C’22) was an undergraduate student in the College, where he studied history and philosophy. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Henry is particularly interested in the history of political movements, focusing on the role of race and class in forming political ideology. On campus, he was co-president of Georgetown Ballers, a mentorship program that brings together Georgetown students and the young men at New Beginnings Youth Development Center through a shared love of basketball and Ledo’s pizza. He also served as a research assistant in the history department for two separate book projects, one analyzing the cultural ramifications of the atomic bomb, and the other being a history of the Southern United States. During his free time, he enjoys reading and playing on the club basketball and golf teams at Georgetown. He was also a 2021 Education and Social Justice Fellow.

Henry interned with Thrive For Life during the summer of 2021.

Through detailed interviews with the residents, Henry discovered how college programs in prison foster self-reflection and self-knowledge, giving individuals a new language to describe themselves, their experiences, and their futures. The Ignacio House also provides a unique community defined by 'hesed'—steadfast love, a haven for these individuals to apply their newfound insights.

Despite intimidating prison cultures and the initial thought that education was not for them, the persistence and encouragement from their peers played a critical role in the residents' decision to enroll in a college program. This transformative journey imbued them with tools to better manage their environments, de-escalate potential conflicts, and effectively express their emotions.

But beyond academics, the Ignacio House was founded with the aspirational goal of building a community, where the residents' dignity can be "fostered and restored." Through the steadfast love demonstrated by the community, the residents learn not only personal responsibility but also communal responsibilities, fostering trust and accountability among each other.

Henry, Fr. Zach, and Resident Scholars visiting one of our faith community partners.

Henry's work provides insightful and deep perspectives into the impacts of education on incarcerated individuals, their journey towards reintegration into society, and the unique role the Ignacio House of Studies plays in this process.

Henry conducting a research interview with one of our Resident Scholars.

We encourage all our readers to delve into Henry's full paper for a more profound understanding of these transformative journeys. The paper can be found at the following link: https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/visual_stories/a-bronx-oasis-the-effect-of-college-programs-in-prison-and-the-community-of-ignacio-house. Let's continue to support this essential work and the individuals who are striving for transformation both behind and beyond the walls!