For many felons seeking to rebuild their lives, education is a crucial step. However, the cost can be prohibitive. Fortunately, various school grants for felons exist to make college or trade school more accessible, opening doors to money-making ideas for felons and potentially lucrative careers.

Pell Grants For Felons
The federal Pell Grant is a cornerstone of education funding for felons. Recent changes have removed barriers related to drug convictions, addressing the FAFSA drug conviction loophole. Now, even inmates can get Pell Grants, thanks to the FAFSA Simplification Act.
For the 2024-2025 school year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395. This can significantly offset education costs, helping felons qualify for free money towards their studies. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, keeping in mind that FAFSA for felons has become more inclusive.
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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG offers up to $4,000 annually for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, including felons. This grant can be particularly helpful for those exploring scholarships for students of convicted felons or seeking financial assistance as felons.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program
The FWS program funds part-time jobs for students, including felons, to help with education expenses. This can be an excellent opportunity for felons to gain work experience, potentially leading to janitorial jobs that hire felons, receptionist jobs for felons, or delivery jobs for felons.
State College Grants For Felons
Many states offer grants for felons, such as:
- The California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
- The Tennessee Reconnect Grant
- The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
These programs can be particularly beneficial for felons in Texas, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania seeking grants specific to their state.
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Other Grants and Scholarships for Felons
Additional opportunities include:
- The Prison Education Foundation
- The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
- Scholarship America
- Prison Scholar Fund
- Correctional Ministries Institute
- Fail-Safe
- Transcending Through Education Foundation
These resources can help felons access education, potentially leading to careers like becoming a counselor with a felony or pursuing an engineering degree as a felon.
- Scholarship America: https://scholarshipamerica.org/
- Prison Scholar Fund: https://www.prisonscholars.org/
- Correctional Ministries Institute: https://correctionalministries.org/colson-scholarship/
- Fail-Safe: https://www.failsafe-era.org/scholarships
- Transcending Through Education Foundation: https://www.transcendingthrougheducation.org/
By leveraging these grants and scholarships, felons can overcome financial barriers to education, opening doors to diverse career paths and increasing their chances of success post-conviction. Whether interested in traditional college degrees or vocational training, these financial aid options can help felons transition from inmates to entrepreneurs and join the ranks of famous successful felons who have turned their lives around through education and hard work.
Faq’s
Q: Can felons receive Pell Grants?
Yes, felons can receive Pell Grants. Recent changes have removed barriers related to drug convictions, and even incarcerated individuals are now eligible.
Q: How do I apply for school grants as a felon?
Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines your eligibility for various federal and state grants.
Q: Are there state-specific grants available for felons?
Yes, many states offer their own grants for felons. Examples include the California College Promise Grant, Tennessee Reconnect Grant, and New York State Tuition Assistance Program.
Q: Can felons participate in work-study programs?
Yes, felons are eligible for Federal Work-Study programs as long as they meet standard eligibility requirements for federal financial aid.