From formerly incarcerated to college graduate: one student's journey

Loustaunau Romero, Sylvia Miriam (2023) From formerly incarcerated to college graduate: one student's journey. Doctoral thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

Individuals released from prison often struggle to begin their lives again. Finding employment and acceptable housing may be at the top of their To Do lists but the list of requirements may not stop there. Hefty fines or rigorous probation requirements are often part of one’s reentry experience. Others may wish to seek training or educational degrees in hopes of obtaining better employment. Enrollment in higher education presents its own list of requirements that may more closely resemble obstacles for the formerly incarcerated person. Proof of residency for tuition rate determination purposes is often required. The ability to produce proof of residency often comes in the form of income tax reports, lease, or mortgage agreements of at least one year prior, vehicle registration of at least one year, or state identification issued at least one year prior to the start date of the college semester. Any of these requirements may present as a considerable obstacle for the individual just released from an extended incarceration period. Even with legal forms of identification and state residency requirements satisfied, college entrance requirements may also necessitate placement exams, proof of high school completion or its equivalent, as well fees for tuition and other education-related costs. The energy, time and resources required to secure the urgent priorities of obtaining work, shelter, food, transportation, identification, and any other potential requirements related to their release can be overwhelming. This case study seeks to better understand how one formerly incarcerated individual navigated higher education.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	barriers; community college processes; incarceration; reentry; higher education; prison release
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Education > Educational Leadership
Date Deposited:	23 Jul 2026 23:44
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2026 23:44
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6309

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