College classrooms are opening up behind federal prison walls, sparking a massive shift in American higher education. Driven by the return of Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students, community colleges across the country are meeting communities where needs are greatest–in prisons. Beth Benson and Maria Durso are part of a two-year degree program inside the federal prison complex in Petersburg.

The number of young people held in juvenile facilities, adult prisons, and jails has dropped by nearly 75% over the last 20 years, yet America still imprisons its children and youth at double the global rate. Judith Dunkerly-Bean is an advocate for more humane attention to the emotional needs of teenagers in the judicial system.

Dr. Monika Rhue is a professional archivist and Griot storyteller who advocates that more common folks be involved with the archiving of their own histories.