Ask anyone who has served time in a federal prison about programming—ACE courses, GED, or First Step Act (FSA) classes—and you’ll hear the same thing: much of it is a joke. Many courses are “sign and drive,” meaning inmates sign their names and walk away with credit. GED classes often lack serious instruction, and countless courses are run entirely by other inmates rather than qualified educators.
In fact, it’s common for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff to backdate enrollment or mark inmates as “signed up” for programming without their knowledge, all in an effort to meet audit standards and protect budgets rather than truly rehabilitate prisoners. With new leadership like Director Billy Marshall and Josh Smith focusing on policy optics, the BOP often treats programming more like paperwork than progress.
Here’s the hard truth: even if programs are lackluster or meaningless, they still carry weight. BOP’s classification system rewards program participation, and every certificate—even if earned through minimal effort—helps lower your custody score and demonstrates compliance.
Why You Should Still Participate
More importantly, FSA classes and other programming can earn First Step Act time credits, which can directly reduce the amount of time you spend behind bars. Whether or not you get a real education out of it, programming is a critical part of your release strategy.
Not All Classes Are Bad
Some courses are genuinely helpful, offering life skills, vocational training, or cognitive behavioral therapy that can make a real difference. But these are exceptions, not the rule. The majority of programming exists to make the BOP look good during audits, not to prepare inmates for reentry. That’s why it’s so important to treat programming strategically: take every course you can, keep proof of your participation, and use it to lower your score and maximize your First Step Act credits.
What’s Really Going On?
Federal prison programming may be flawed, but it’s also one of the few tools prisoners have to shorten their time. Whether you’re handed a backdated certificate or actually learn something, it all counts. Play the game, stack the credits, and document everything to ensure you’re not stuck in prison longer than necessary.