Arkansas State University-Newport (ASUN)'s Prison Education program offers courses to students at both the Grimes and McPherson Units in Newport, Arkansas. ASUN is one of 63 colleges in 26 states that participates in Second-Chance Pell. The initiative lets colleges provide need-based Pell Grants to people who are incarcerated in state or federal prisons. Click here to read more about the Second Chance Pell program. 

Research has shown that incarcerated people who participate in education programs are less likely to return to prison once released and are more likely to find jobs. Prison education can also improve the safety of prisons. Currently, Prison Education students are offered the Associate of Arts in General Education, Certificate of General Studies, and Certificate of Proficiency Welding.