A report from Texas 2036 indicates that higher education in Texas prisons could play a significant role in reducing recidivism. According to a recent blog post on their website, tens of thousands are incarcerated annually in Texas, with nearly half facing rearrest within three years after release. The prison system has experienced a 50% decline in higher education enrollment among inmates, dropping from 7,203 in 2011 to 3,581 in 2022.

The blog post emphasized the advantages of higher education for inmates, noting that those who completed such programs saw increased wages. Furthermore, individuals with postsecondary credentials were "42% more likely to be considered for a job by employers than those with only a GED." These benefits extend beyond prison walls, aiding reintegration into society. There is an ongoing effort to expand these programs to equip incarcerated Texans with "skills and credentials they need to succeed in the workforce upon release."

Despite these benefits, geographical restrictions on community colleges offering courses have left many without access to this educational experience. By law, community colleges are limited to teaching within specific service areas, affecting several Texas criminal justice facilities located outside these zones. As of April 2024 data shows that while 1,800 students were enrolled in educational programs, over 8,300 remained waitlisted.

Texas 2036 describes itself as "a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research and advocacy organization driving state policy solutions with data." Their mission is "to enable Texans to make policy decisions through accessible data, long-term planning, and state-wide engagement." The name '2036' refers to Texas' bicentennial year.