FLINT, Michigan — Sheriff Chris Swanson has been selected to speak at the prestigious World Literacy Summit at Oxford University from April 6-9. Swanson will present his jail education initiative, Inmate Growth Naturally & Intentionally Through Education (I.G.N.I.T.E.), a program designed to reduce crime and recidivism through education and job training for inmates.
The World Literacy Summit, the largest global gathering of literacy specialists, leaders, and researchers, recognizes Swanson’s program for its transformative impact. I.G.N.I.T.E. provides incarcerated individuals with valuable job skills, improving their chances of securing employment upon release. According to a
Harvard University study, the program has contributed to a 23% reduction in crime.
“I have dedicated myself to I.G.N.I.T.E. as a powerful tool to fight vicious cycles of recidivism and keep Michiganders safe,” said Swanson, in a press statement. “It’s about restoring value, hope, and purpose to our inmate population. Every day, we are providing second chances for inmates, their families, and communities by addressing the root causes of crime and creating pathways to reintegration.”
Since its launch, I.G.N.I.T.E. has expanded to 20% of jails nationwide. The program has enrolled over 3,400 students, resulted in nearly 300 GED subject passes, and recorded more than 275,000 hours of education. Additional statistics highlight the program’s success:
- 99 GED graduates from 33 graduation ceremonies.
- $560,000 in taxpayer savings per 100 inmates.
- A 49% reduction in major misconduct incidents among inmates after one month in the program.
- A 98% reduction in acts of violence from 2010 to 2023.
The initiative has drawn notable supporters, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who delivered a keynote address at a 2024 graduation ceremony, and public figures such as musicians Jelly Roll and Snoop Dogg. The Harvard study on I.G.N.I.T.E. is set for publication in the May 2025 issue of
The Quarterly Journal of Economics.
Swanson will give two presentations at the summit: “I.G.N.I.T.E. from Incarceration to Education: The 21st Century’s Answer to a Global Crisis” and “I.G.N.I.T.E. in Action: From Vision to Implementation.” He will be joined by Major Jason Gould of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for the second session.
Swanson’s participation at Oxford highlights the growing recognition of I.G.N.I.T.E. as a model for reducing recidivism and transforming the criminal justice system through education.
For more information on I.G.N.I.T.E., visit the Genesee County Sheriff's Office website and find it on Facebook.
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