Going back to school in prison can be an opportunity to learn new skills, work toward a credential, and prepare for life after incarceration. Whether you are working toward a GED, taking college courses, completing career training, or pursuing another type of education, returning to school requires commitment and planning.

For someone who has been away from a classroom for years, going back to school in prison may also feel intimidating at first. You may need to rebuild your study habits, adjust to academic expectations, or figure out how to balance schoolwork with your other responsibilities. Fortunately, you do not have to approach the process all at once.

1. Find the Right Time to Study

One of the first steps is figuring out when you can consistently focus on your schoolwork. Your schedule may include work assignments, programs, appointments, meals, recreation, and other responsibilities, so finding a large block of uninterrupted time may not always be realistic.

Instead, look for times when you are most likely to have the concentration you need. Even a shorter, consistent study period can help you establish a routine.

Once you find a schedule that works, try to stick with it. Treating study time as a regular part of your day can make it easier to stay caught up with assignments and avoid having schoolwork pile up.

2. Set Specific Academic Goals

Going back to school in prison can be easier when you know what you are working toward. Rather than thinking only about completing an entire program, break your larger goal into smaller objectives.

For example, you might set a goal to complete a certain assignment by the end of the week, finish a chapter each day, or maintain a particular grade. Smaller goals give you something concrete to work toward and make long-term progress easier to see.

If your program has academic progress requirements, pay attention to them. The U.S. Department of Education explains that incarcerated students participating in eligible Prison Education Programs are still required to meet their school’s satisfactory academic progress policies.

3. Build a Support System

Going back to school in prison does not have to mean studying alone. If other incarcerated individuals around you are also interested in education, consider connecting with them. You may be able to encourage one another, discuss difficult material, or simply share the experience of working toward an educational goal.

Support can also come from outside the facility. Family members and friends may be able to help keep you accountable by asking about your classes, assignments, or progress. Sharing your goals with people you trust can give you another reason to stay committed when school becomes difficult.

Research on incarcerated students also emphasizes the importance of support in helping students persist in their education. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Prison Education Research examined the barriers formerly incarcerated students can face and the kinds of institutional support that can help them continue toward completing a degree.

4. Keep Basic Reference Materials Handy

Having reliable reference materials can make schoolwork easier, particularly when you are writing assignments or working with unfamiliar academic terminology.

A dictionary can be useful when you encounter words you do not recognize. A grammar reference can also help you review sentence structure, punctuation, and other fundamentals when completing written assignments.

Blackstone’s Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation is one resource that students can keep available as they work on their writing. A dependable reference book can be especially useful when you do not have immediate access to an instructor or online resources.

5. Make the Most of the Resources Available to You

Educational resources can look different from one correctional facility to another. Access to books, computers, educational programs, libraries, or other materials may be limited by institutional policies and schedules.

Instead of focusing on what you do not have access to, identify what is available to you and learn how to use those resources effectively. The Institute for Justice and Opportunity’s education guide for people in prison and those preparing for reentry includes information about different types of educational programs and resources that may be available.

Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about your education both during incarceration and after release.

6. Give Yourself Credit for Progress

Education is a process, and going back to school in prison is a significant commitment. Give yourself credit for each step you complete, whether that means passing an exam, finishing a difficult assignment, completing a semester, or reaching the next stage of your program.

You do not have to finish everything at once. Focus on the work in front of you, maintain your routine, and continue building on the progress you have already made.

Going back to school in prison can be challenging, but it can also be a meaningful investment in your future. With a consistent study routine, a strong support system, useful reference materials, and a clear understanding of why you started, you can give yourself a stronger foundation for reaching your educational goals.

Written by Adam Wernham

The post 6 Tips for Going Back to School in Prison appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.

Who said that back-to-school excitement was only for the children? As summer winds down and seasons change, there’s anticipation and new possibilities that mark the back-to-school season. While the kids pick up new backpacks, gather school supplies, and ask for lunch goodies, you can embark on a new school adventure too.

As a single parent, going back to school might seem unattainable, but it’s possible to achieve your career goals and do so on a budget. Whether you want to enhance your skill set in a career you love or you’re ready to pivot and enter a new career field, here are seven ways you can make going back to school as a single parent attainable.

Prioritize and Make a Game Plan

What values are most important to you? This question will guide all the decisions you make as a single parent working on your school endeavors. When you determine your non-negotiables, you will have a game plan that fits your specific needs and motivates you to take the next step. If you’re ready to transition to a new career in the next twelve months, you can map out how many hours a week you will need to dedicate to your coursework, earn your credential, and apply for jobs. Whatever is important to you, write it down and map out how you can achieve your goals and stay true to your values.

Make a Budget and Stick to It

Budgeting is often thought of in terms of finances, and while managing your income and expenses as a single parent is crucial, it’s also important to consider the value of time in the equation.

• Budget Your Time

  • Twenty-four hours are allocated to you each day and how you spend it will vary depending on your priorities. Budgeting your time as a single parent is especially important so you don’t burn out. Be realistic with your ambitions. Slow, steady, consistency over a period of time will reap rewards that being fast and furious can’t achieve if you never finish. Schedule in time for sleeping, eating healthy meals, spending time with your child(ren), and completing your schoolwork. Each time management system is unique so if something isn’t working for you, shift things around until you find something that works for you and your family.

• Budget Your Money

  • While time is indispensable when it comes to achieving your career goals as a single parent, so is money. Set a budget for the total amount of money you are willing to spend on your schooling and stick to it. Consider what areas in your overall household budget you may need to cut back on or sacrifice for a period of time so that you have resources to put toward your schooling. Whether it’s making home-cooked meals or canceling one subscription service, decide how you want to stretch your money.

Consider Quality Over Low Price

When searching for school supplies, consider quality over cheap, low prices for items like a backpack or standing desk. While the upfront cost may be higher, if it’s made well, it will last you longer and prevent more out-of-pocket expenses later on. If you’re wanting to achieve both quality and low cost, visit a thrift store in your area and see what you can find. As a single parent, you can even make this a special outing with your child(ren) for some quality bonding time while you embark on a scavenger hunt.

Plan for Additional Costs

Living on one income as a single parent can make unexpected expenses stressful. When budgeting for back to school, allocate a section of funds for unseen costs. Then when something comes up, you are prepared. And if you don’t use it, that’s extra money back in your bank account! Textbooks and certification exam fees are among the extra expenses that can be important for succeeding with your coursework and standing out among other applicants when applying for jobs.

Embrace Your Community

If you need a night to relax or an evening to study, ask a trusted family member or friend to spend time with the kids instead of hiring a babysitter. Not only will your child(ren) enjoy spending time with someone they know and love, but when that family member or friend needs help, you can return the favor!

Find the Right Study Space for You

As a single parent, finding a space to study is necessary for focusing on your coursework. While the kids work on homework, you can transform the dining room table or back patio into a work desk and set a time frame that everyone knows is study time. If you need to get out of the house, going to the library or a coffee shop with your child(ren) are other free or low-cost options that provide a new environment for achieving your career goals.

Start a Career Training Program

There’s no one size fits all for going back to school on a budget as a single parent, so your career options shouldn’t be either. Blackstone Career Institute offers flexible, affordable programs to elevate your career dreams and prepare you for the workforce in an industry you love.

With pacing that fits your timeline and affordable payment plans that make budgeting easier, you can finish your coursework in less than eighteen months. All career training programs are accredited, with some offering externships or the necessary clock hours to sit for national certification exams.

Whatever path you decide to embark on as a single parent, Blackstone Career Institute is here to help you achieve those goals. While your kids step back into the classroom, you can take your next step to find a career you love.

Written by Laura Conaway

The post Going Back to School as a Single Parent on a Budget appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.

Online learning may feel like a modern invention, but the idea behind it has existed for generations. Long before students could log in to a course portal, watch lectures online, or submit assignments electronically, people were looking for ways to learn outside a traditional classroom. The history of online learning is really part of a much longer history of distance education, correspondence courses, and flexible learning options for students who needed another path.

Today, online learning is common in higher education, career training, and professional development. However, its growth did not happen all at once. It developed gradually as technology changed how students and schools could communicate.

Early Distance Education

Before online learning, there was correspondence education. In the 19th century, students could take courses by mail, receiving lessons, completing assignments, and sending work back to instructors for review. This model made education more accessible to people who could not attend classes in person because of work, location, family responsibilities, or other barriers.

Correspondence education helped establish an important idea: students did not always need to be physically present in a classroom to learn. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, distance education has become a major part of modern postsecondary education, but its roots go back much further than today’s digital platforms.

This early form of distance learning was slower than today’s online learning, but it served a similar purpose. It gave students more flexibility and allowed schools to reach learners beyond a local campus.

Blackstone’s Place in Distance Education

Blackstone Career Institute has its own long history within this tradition. The school was founded in 1890 as a school of law and became one of the oldest correspondence schools in the nation. At a time when many students had limited access to formal legal education, correspondence study offered a practical way to build knowledge from home.

This history matters because online learning did not appear out of nowhere. Institutions like Blackstone helped shape the path from mailed lessons to modern digital coursework. The format has changed over time, but the purpose has remained consistent: helping adult learners access career-focused education in a flexible way.

For many students, this flexibility is still one of the main benefits of online learning. Whether they are working full-time, caring for family members, changing careers, or returning to school after time away, online programs can make education more manageable.

Radio, Television, and Educational Technology

As communication technology advanced, distance education expanded beyond the mail. Radio and television created new ways to deliver lessons to students who were not in a traditional classroom. Educational broadcasts, recorded lectures, and video-based instruction helped schools experiment with new formats.

These tools were not the same as online learning, but they helped move education toward more flexible delivery. Students could receive various forms of instruction from a distance, and schools could begin thinking creatively beyond the limits of a physical classroom.

By the late 20th century, computers began changing education again. As personal computers became more common, schools started using digital tools for assignments, training, and communication. Eventually, the internet made it possible for students and instructors to interact more quickly and consistently.

The Rise of Online Learning

The growth of the internet transformed distance education. Instead of waiting for assignments to arrive by mail, students could access course materials online, communicate with instructors by email, and submit work electronically.

Online learning also made it easier for schools to organize courses in one place. Learning management systems gave students access to lessons, grades, assignments, resources, and communication tools. This helped create a more structured online classroom experience.

As technology improved, online learning became more interactive. Courses could include videos, quizzes, digital textbooks, simulations, and discussion forums. Students could often study on their own schedules while still following deadlines and course requirements.

Online learning also became especially important for adult learners, since many adults need education that fits around work, family, and other responsibilities. Online programs started providing that flexibility while still helping students prepare for specific careers.

Online Learning in Recent Years

In recent years, online learning has become a major part of education. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that millions of postsecondary students enroll in distance education courses, showing how widely this format is now used.

The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated public awareness of online learning. Schools, colleges, and training programs had to rely heavily on remote instruction, and many students became more familiar with digital learning tools. While emergency remote learning was not always the same as a carefully designed online course, it showed how important flexible education options had become.

Since then, many students have continued to look for online programs that offer convenience, structure, and career relevance. Online learning can be especially useful for students who want to build job skills without relocating, commuting, or pausing their current responsibilities.

The Future of Online Learning

Online learning will likely continue to evolve as technology changes. Artificial intelligence, virtual simulations, mobile learning, and interactive course platforms may all shape how students learn in the future. However, the central goal will remain familiar: making education accessible, practical, and useful.

The history of online learning is not only a story about technology. It is also a story about students who needed options and institutions that found new ways to deliver education. Blackstone’s long history in correspondence and distance education reflects that tradition.

As more students look for flexible ways to gain career skills, online learning will continue to play an important role in education. Its history shows that while the tools may change, the need for flexible learning remains the same.

Written by Adam Wernham

The post The History of Online Learning appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.

Going back to school can sound like a clean answer to a complicated problem. A new credential may lead to a different career, better pay, or more stability. It may also require tuition payments, study time, and changes at home.

For adults, the question is rarely whether education has value. The real question is whether a particular program has enough value for the life they are living now. Going back to school may be worthwhile, but only when the goal, cost, and schedule make sense together.

Before enrolling, consider these three questions.

1. Will the program lead toward a specific goal?

Start with the job or opportunity you want, not with the school advertisement that caught your attention. A program is easier to evaluate when you know what it is supposed to help you accomplish.

Look at several job postings for the role you are considering. Do employers ask for a degree, a certificate, a license, experience, or a combination of those qualifications? Some careers require a college degree. Others may be entered through career training, an apprenticeship, or an industry credential. Paying for more education than the field requires may add time and debt without adding much value.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers with higher levels of educational attainment generally have higher median earnings and lower unemployment rates. However, those broad averages do not guarantee that every program will produce the same result. Your field of study, location, prior experience, and local job market still matter.

If you are looking to attend a college, the College Scorecard can help prospective students compare schools using information about cost, graduation rates, debt, and earnings. Review results for the actual program whenever possible.

Going back to school is more likely to be worth it when you can finish this sentence clearly: “I am completing this program so I can work as a _______.” If the answer is only that you want a better future, pause and define what better means before committing your money.

2. Can you afford the full cost of the program?

Tuition may only be one part of the price. Books, supplies, fees, software, internet access, transportation, child care, and certification exams can all increase the total. There may also be lost income if classes reduce the number of hours you can work.

Write down every expected cost before enrolling. Then ask what happens if the program takes longer than advertised. A sick child, a change in work hours, or a car repair can quickly disrupt a tight education budget.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid when the school and program are eligible. Federal Student Aid explains that the application may help determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, work study funds, and loans. Grants and scholarships generally reduce the cost without creating a repayment obligation. Loans can make attendance possible, but the monthly payment will continue after enrollment.

Compare any expected debt with realistic entry level earnings in the field. Do not build the plan around the highest salary you found online. Ask what new workers typically earn in your area.

Going back to school should not require ignoring rent, food, medical needs, or existing debt. A slower program, a lower cost certificate, employer tuition assistance, or saving before enrollment may be more practical than beginning immediately.

3. Does the program fit in with your work and family life?

An affordable program can still fail if there is not enough reliable time to complete it. Adults may be balancing employment, parenting, military duties, caregiving, appointments, and household responsibilities. Adding school means making room in your schedule.

Estimate the weekly study time honestly. Do not count hours that are already spoken for. A plan that depends on studying every night after an exhausting shift may look possible on paper and become miserable within two weeks.

Talk with the people who will be affected. If you’re planning to enroll in a structured program, who will handle meals, transportation, bedtime, or weekend responsibilities during major assignments? What happens when work schedules change? Family support does not mean that everyone will enjoy every inconvenience. It means the household understands the plan and has agreed on how to manage it.

The format also matters. Traditional classes provide structure and direct contact, but the meeting place and time may be difficult for working adults. Online programs eliminate travel and may provide greater scheduling flexibility. They still require concentration, consistent effort, and reliable technology. The most flexible online programs are self-paced where there are no assignment due dates along the way.

Consider starting with one course or a shorter career program if you are uncertain about your available time. A smaller commitment can show whether your schedule is realistic before you invest in a longer program.

Going back to school is worth it when the program fits your life well enough that you can finish it. The most impressive credential has little value if the demands make completion unlikely.

Making the Decision

There is no universal answer to whether going back to school is worth it. For one person, a degree may be the necessary doorway into a licensed profession. For another, a focused certificate may provide useful skills without the time and expense of a traditional college path.

The strongest decision connects three things: a clear career goal, a manageable financial plan, and a schedule that respects the needs of your family. When one of those pieces is missing, more research may be needed before enrollment.

Adults who need a more flexible option may want to explore Blackstone Career Institute’s online career training programs. Blackstone offers self-paced, accredited programs in legal, healthcare, and service career fields, with affordable monthly payment options available. Career training is not the right answer for every goal, but it can provide a practical path for adults who want focused education that fits around work and family responsibilities.

Going back to school can be a meaningful investment. The best time to enroll is when you have chosen a program that leads somewhere specific and created a plan that gives you a reasonable chance to complete it.

Written by Colt Parris

The post Is Going Back to School Worth It? 3 Considerations for Adults appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.

Your future starts today. It is achievable, and it doesn’t need to be complicated. As an incarcerated individual, there are resources available to help you plan for the future and change the trajectory of your life. One step at a time is all it takes to notice progress in yourself. And in the process, you could be the inspiration someone else needs to begin their own journey.

Here are four easy-to-follow ways that you can plan for the future while in prison.

Set healthy daily habits

Habits don’t just happen overnight. They require foresight and planning if you want to see results. Studies show it’s harder to start a new habit, so it’s okay to take small steps at first. Even when you have a setback, you can fight for resilience and seek out accountability to encourage you along the way.

Your healthy daily habits may look different from someone else’s and that’s okay too. The important thing is that you find one or two habits to implement that will help you plan for the future today. If you need some inspiration, pick one of the practices found in 7 Daily Healthy Habits for Incarcerated Individuals, including engaging in physical activity, practicing gratefulness, and making healthy eating choices.

Create SMART goals

Once you have implemented a healthy daily habit, you are on your way to creating goals that will position you for success. The more goals you set, the more intentional you will be with steps to plan for the future. Your goal can be short term or long term, but it’s important to make sure they are SMART.

• Specific—be as clear as possible with what your goal is, why you are doing it, and how you are going to achieve it.
• Measurable—ask yourself these questions. When will I know I’ve completed my goal? Should I measure my success by the hour, day, month, or year? What markers will indicate the green light of victory?
• Achievable—start small and work your way up to a more challenging goal. When you give yourself the reward of achieving a simple goal, it will motivate you to do the harder thing next.
• Relevant—the best way you can plan for your future is creating goals that are important to you. If it doesn’t excite you, there will be less incentive to see it through to the end.
• Timely—create a goal that has an end in sight. Whether it’s a few days, weeks, or months, determining a start and end time will help you manage progress.

Take an education program

Blackstone Career Institute offers affordable paralegal courses via correspondence for incarcerated individuals so you can plan for the future. The education you receive now can help you find employment after your release, and it’s a SMART goal that can motivate you to keep learning.

1. Paralegal Certificate Program

• The 14-volume paralegal program will provide you with the fundamentals of legal research, knowledge of terminology and the different areas of law, and the procedures that are followed.
• With affordable, monthly payment plans, you can pursue education and gain valuable experience at a pace that fits your needs.
• Throughout the course, you will submit exams that will be evaluated for accuracy to ensure you are understanding the material.
• Upon graduation, you will receive a certificate to showcase the effort you put in to plan for the future.

2. Advanced Paralegal Courses

• If you are interested in learning more about a specific area of law, you can enroll in an advanced course. You can choose between Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Family Law, Business & Corporate Law, and more to help you build your foundation of expertise.
• With an affordable, monthly payment plan, you can continue to pursue education and gain valuable experience.
• Enrollment in the course will provide a textbook and study guide.
• Once you have satisfactorily completed the course requirements, you can obtain your certificate.

Gain employment experience

The time you put into receiving education can assist you when searching for a job post-release. But meaningful employment while incarcerated can also help you plan for the future. Finding purpose in your everyday life will bring the reward of impact and it can start with pursuing employment in maintenance, administration, or custodial positions while incarcerated. These roles often include data entry, mail processing, facility upkeep, landscaping, dishwashing, or laundry services.

Working in a prison job today can help you plan for the future by building valuable skills with hands-on experience. These jobs also help you strengthen soft skills that are needed for communication and working well with other individuals and can give you a meaningful routine, positive peer accountability, and potential financial earnings. Your time working while incarcerated can bring meaning to life and will help you prepare for re-entry into society after prison through character building and skill setting.

If you are looking for employment post-incarceration, Jails to Jobs has a New Entry Job Hunting Plan resource that gives you step-by-step guidance on creating a resume, searching for positions, and completing the interview process. This resource starts with the simple actions you can take today, like having a positive attitude and focusing on your strengths.

You can plan for the future today. With small, achievable, and purposeful steps, your new future awaits you.

Written by Laura Conaway

The post 4 Ways to Plan for the Future in Prison appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the legal profession and raising ethical questions. Paralegals should understand how to use AI effectively to increase productivity while safeguarding confidential client information and complying with ethical obligations.

Here are several practical tips to help you begin using AI as a paralegal confidently and responsibly in your work.

Learn About Different AI Tools

You may already use AI in your personal life, but there are many powerful AI tools available beyond ChatGPT.

Here are a few of them:

Gemini

Gemini has multiple applications, including research assistance, document analysis, and image generation. It can help you conduct research, organize information, and generate reports.

Claude

Claude is best known for automation and writing code. It can also help streamline research, drafting, and other time-consuming tasks.

Gemini Notebook

Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) is great for learning, designed to help users organize their own source materials. You can upload documents, notes, or other materials, and Gemini Notebook can summarize information, answer questions based on those sources, and help explain complex concepts.

Become Aware of Legal-Specific AI Tools

In addition to exploring general-purpose AI tools, become familiar with AI platforms designed specifically for legal professionals. Here are a few examples:

LexisNexis Protégé

LexisNexis Protégé is an AI assistant designed specifically for the legal profession. It can assist with legal research, summarizing information, drafting documents, and automating routine tasks. When used in accordance with your firm’s policies, it is designed with legal workflows and data security in mind.

Clio

Clio is a comprehensive legal practice management platform that incorporates AI features to support case management, operations, billing, and client communications. Clio includes security features designed to help law firms protect confidential information while supporting ethical legal practice.

CoCounsel Legal

CoCounsel Legal can assist with legal research, document review, drafting, and document analysis. Its integrations with established legal research resources help support more informed and efficient legal work.

Use AI Ethically

AI introduces a new realm of ethical concerns. Before you begin to use AI as a paralegal, keep in mind a few important principles:

Check With Your Supervisor

Before using AI for work-related tasks, receive the approval from your supervisor and learn about your organization’s AI policies. Ensure that you understand and follow your organization’s AI governance and confidentiality policies.

Protect Confidential Information

Review the privacy, security, and data retention policies of any AI tool before using it for legal work. If an AI tool does not meet your organization’s security requirements, avoid entering confidential or client-specific information. Firm-approved legal AI tools with appropriate security safeguards may be suitable for certain client-related tasks, subject to your organization’s policies and applicable ethical obligations. Always comply with applicable laws, ethical rules, and your organization’s policies.

Review All Outputs

Always verify AI-generated information against authoritative legal sources before relying on it. Carefully review all AI-generated drafts, summaries, and analyses before using them. Human oversight remains essential because AI systems can generate inaccurate or fabricated information, often referred to as AI hallucinations.

Consider Your Environmental Impact

Although using AI as a paralegal can significantly improve productivity, it also requires substantial computing resources that consume electricity. Use AI thoughtfully and encourage discussion with other legal team members in your workplace. You can reduce unnecessary AI usage by following certain guidelines, such as writing clear prompts with sufficient context, avoiding repeated requests for the same task, using advanced reasoning features only when needed, and continuing related conversations within the same chat session when appropriate.

Practice With AI as a Paralegal

Like any other professional skill, effective AI use improves with practice. The best way to learn is to begin experimenting with AI as a paralegal on appropriate, low-risk tasks. For example, you can use AI to summarize documents, assist with legal research, organize case materials, draft first versions of documents, review contracts or pleadings for consistency, and identify expert witnesses.

For additional ideas and best practices, check out NALA’s article: A Paralegal’s Guide to Leveraging AI-Powered Legal Technology.

Ready to Build Your AI Skills?

If you’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of using AI as a paralegal, consider Blackstone’s AI Skills for Paralegals online course. For $149.00, you will learn how to:

• Explain the capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence tools within legal workflows, including risks related to accuracy, ethics, and professional responsibility.

• Apply structured prompt engineering techniques to generate accurate, task-specific outputs for legal drafting, research support, and document analysis.

• Analyze AI-generated legal content to identify errors, inconsistencies, and risks by comparing outputs against primary legal sources.

• Evaluate the ethical implications of AI use in legal environments, including confidentiality, data security, and compliance with professional standards.

• Design AI-assisted workflows that integrate appropriate tool use, verification steps, and human oversight in paralegal tasks such as discovery, case organization, and document drafting.

The self-paced course provides 3 hours of CLEs for NALA and NALS recertification. Preview the course here or get started today and begin building practical AI skills for today’s legal workplace.

The post How to Use AI as a Paralegal: Tips for Getting Started  appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.

Hiring a personal assistant to help you with tasks is easier than ever, and it’s widely available for free or at a low cost. We now live in the future, where technology is smarter and innovations are improving to assist in the ease of operations and efficiency for humans. With the onset of generative AI, there are new capabilities that allow for smoother operating processes, research initiatives, and completing tasks.

You no longer have to wish for someone to edit papers for you or provide feedback when you’re stuck in the brainstorming process of a project. And when you are searching for jobs, polishing your resume, and writing your cover letter prior to submission, you have a new resource to help—AI.

You want your expertise to shine through to a potential employer, so here are some ways you can improve your resume with AI.

Four Ways To Improve Your Resume with AI

1. Use Action Verbs—You can improve your resume with AI by allowing it to help you tailor your word choice to that of a job description. When you list your experience on a resume, AI can take your thoughts and align the information with specific action verbs that show up in the employer’s required qualifications. This simple change will show employers which candidates have the experience they want.
2. Use a PAR model—Another way to improve your resume with AI is to ensure you are including details that are project, action, result (PAR) based. Employers want to see that you can take the knowledge you’ve acquired and execute it well with desired results. Showing what you’ve done is always better than sharing what you know. AI can be your editor in this regard by helping you assess if you’ve included these things.
3. Make Edits and Revisions—After you’ve written your draft, you can improve your resume with AI by having it edit the document for you. Another set of eyes can notice things you didn’t see the first time. Whether it is misspellings, redundant word choice, or awkward phrasing, AI can help you polish the content so your resume stands out.
4. Polish and Protect Your Voice—You can improve your resume with AI, but you need to be true to who you are. An employer will want to know your personality, not just what you have accomplished. AI usually writes in a robotic tone with one style that can make your entire resume sound generated. Take time to tell AI what tone of voice you want the content suggested in. After it makes the changes, read through them so you can tweak it to fit your communication style. After all, you will be the one talking with a prospective employer, not AI. Know your accomplishments and be able to confidently share them even after you improve your resume with AI.

Technology is here to assist you, but the more guardrails you give the easier it will be to improve your resume with AI. AI collects information from its own web searches and the parameters you provide.

While AI is a helpful tool and an assistant in the job search process, always remember to review the final content before submitting it to an application or employer. You don’t want to be responsible for a silly mistake or an error in how information was communicated on your resume.

Environmental Impacts of AI

While AI is a resource that allows for greater efficiency across many disciplines, there are also studies about the consequences of using AI that need to be discussed in order for responsible and ethical use of the technology.

AI data centers are a necessity for storing the servers that transmit and retain all the information across the internet. However, these centers require significant amounts of energy to function and water to cool the temperatures of the servers.

Conducted studies have shown if AI continues to grow, 24 – 44 million metrics of carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere by 2030. To compare this with numbers we understand, it would be equivalent to an additional 5 – 10 million cars on U.S. roads. The amount of water used to cool down the AI data centers would be equal to the amount of water 6 – 10 million households in America use yearly.

While this may sound jarring, data centers have been around since the 1940s. But the rise of AI demands an increase of data centers to produce a large amount of energy.

This year, in 2026, the electricity needed to run data centers will put these infrastructures in fifth place world-wide for the largest electricity consumption. Estimates also show that using AI to search information uses five times more electricity than a normal Google web search.

As you think through best practices for using AI, consider how to search responsibly while still completing tasks with your own knowledge and skills.

Prepare for Next Steps

Blackstone wants to help you succeed far beyond obtaining your career diploma. With the Career Center, you can access specific examples of cover letters, resumes, and business cards to give you a step up in your field of expertise.

Whether you are in the military and transitioning to a civilian career or taking a new path in your professional life, there are resources in the Career Center to meet your needs as a Blackstone student.

You can also learn how to prepare for an interview with AI to help you stand out in the next step of the job application process. Once you land the job, let us know so we can celebrate with you and share your success story with other students! The job field is ready for your skills, and AI is here to help you navigate each step of the application process.

Written by Laura Conaway

The post How to Improve Your Resume With AI appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.

For much of history, children with disabilities had limited access to formal education. Many were educated at home, taught in separate institutions, or excluded from school entirely. Over time, families, educators, reformers, and advocates helped shift public understanding. Education for children with disabilities came to be seen as a basic right.

The history of special education is a story of gradual progress. While challenges remain, today’s students with disabilities have far more legal protections, services, and opportunities than previous generations. Understanding the history helps show why special education matters and why trained, compassionate professionals continue to play an important role in supporting individuals with disabilities.

Early Efforts to Educate Students With Disabilities

Before modern special education laws, access to education often depended on a child’s disability, family resources, location, and the attitudes of the time. In the 1800s, specialized schools began opening for students who were blind, deaf, or had other disabilities. These schools were often separate from public education, but they represented an important early step toward recognizing that children with disabilities could learn when given appropriate instruction and support.

The National Park Service notes that educational reform for people with disabilities in the 1800s grew partly in response to the lack of schooling available to many students. Institutions such as Gallaudet University and the Perkins School for the Blind became significant in the development of disability education in the United States. Perkins, founded in 1829, describes its early mission as creating educational opportunities for people with visual impairments at a time when many had been excluded from learning.

Although these institutions opened doors for some students, they also reflected the limits of the era. Many children with disabilities remained outside neighborhood schools, and education was often segregated by disability.

The Movement Toward Equal Access

By the mid-20th century, more families and advocates began challenging exclusion from public schools. Civil rights movements helped shape the broader argument that separate or unequal access to education was unacceptable. For students with disabilities, the issue was not only whether they could attend school, but whether schools were required to provide meaningful support.

A major turning point came with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The U.S. Department of Education explains that Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. In education, this helped establish disability access as a civil rights issue, not simply a local school policy decision.

The Rise of Modern Special Education Law

The most important milestone in U.S. special education history came in 1975, when Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. According to the U.S. Department of Education, many children with disabilities had previously lacked access to public education. In 1970, around only 20% of U.S. children with disabilities received schooling, and several state laws excluded students with certain disabilities.

The 1975 law required public schools to provide eligible children with disabilities access to a free appropriate public education. In 1990, the law was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. Today, IDEA continues to govern how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.

IDEA also helped formalize the use of individualized educational planning. Rather than treating students with disabilities as a single group, modern special education emphasizes evaluating each child’s needs and providing services designed to support learning and development.

Special Education Today

Today, special education is much more integrated into public education than it once was. IDEA serves millions of eligible children and youth, including infants and toddlers through early intervention and children ages three through 21 through special education and correlated services.

The law has also supported a shift away from placing many students in separate schools or institutions. The U.S. Department of Education reports that in the 2022–2023 school year, over 66% of children and youth with disabilities spent at least 80% of the school day in a general education classroom. This reflects the modern emphasis on educating students in the least restrictive environment appropriate for their needs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, further strengthened disability rights by protecting people with disabilities from discrimination in many areas of public life. While the ADA is broader than education, it reflects the same larger movement toward access, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

Still, special education continues to evolve. Families may face challenges obtaining services, and schools may struggle with staffing or resources to effectively meet students’ complex needs. The history of special education shows both how much progress has been made and why continued attention, training, and advocacy remain important.

Interested in Working With Individuals With Disabilities?

The progress made in special education has depended on many kinds of professionals, including teachers, instructional aides, child care providers, health aides, family support workers, and advocates. If you are interested in helping individuals with disabilities, career training can be an important first step.

Blackstone Career Institute’s online Child Care Provider Program prepares students for entry-level employment in child care settings and includes curriculum on child development, safety, positive guidance, assisting children with special needs, and supporting children’s learning and growth. This type of training can be helpful for those who want to work with young children, including children with disabilities.

Blackstone’s online Home Health Aide Program prepares students to assist elderly clients, individuals with disabilities, and patients recovering from illness or injury. For students interested in direct care, this program can help build the foundational skills needed to support people in home health, rehabilitation, or private care settings.

The history of special education is ultimately about expanding opportunity. Whether you are drawn to child care, health support, or another helping profession, working with individuals with disabilities can be a meaningful way to contribute to that ongoing progress.

Written by Adam Wernham

The post The History of Special Education appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.

When someone is incarcerated, money becomes more than a balance on an account. It can mean toothpaste, stamped envelopes, a few minutes on the phone, or a snack after a long day. That is why many people search for ways a loved one can make money in prison. The Marshall Project has reported on the difficult mix of low prison wages, commissary costs, family support, and informal economies behind bars.

Before taking any advice, start by looking at the rules. Every state, county, facility, unit, and custody level can be different. Some ways to make money in prison may be allowed in one place and prohibited in another. A person should check written policies before any transaction, be they personal or professional.

1. Start with approved facility jobs

The most direct way to make money in prison is usually an official work assignment. These jobs are not glamorous, but they can give the day structure. A kitchen worker may rise before most of the unit is awake. A laundry worker may spend the day folding clothes, but that structure plus the pay earned can help pass the time productively. The Federal Bureau of Prisons Education page notes that on-the-job training can happen through job assignments at a federal prison.

The pay is often low, if wages are earned at all. Still, an approved job can show responsibility and possibly help with small purchases. Loved ones can ask the incarcerated person to find out how job lists work, which positions are available, whether pay is affected by restitution, and whether good conduct is required before applying.

2. Ask about prison industry programs

Some facilities have industry programs that are more structured than ordinary unit jobs. In the federal system, UNICOR is the official trade name used for Federal Prison Industries. UNICOR says participants typically earn between twenty-three cents and one dollar and fifteen cents per hour, and that only a small share of work-eligible people participate while many wait for openings.

Families sometimes picture prison work as something a person can start the next week, but better assignments may take patience, clean conduct, educational progress, or staff approval. If the goal is to make money in prison and prepare for the future, the practical move is to ask early. What programs exist? What education is required? What conduct record helps? What jobs teach skills that might matter after release?

3. Turn approved artwork into income

For a creative person, art can be more than a way to pass time. It can become a bridge to the outside world. A drawing on paper can carry a name, a style, and a story that family members can help share through approved channels. Inmate Create says incarcerated artists can submit designs without internet access, including by mail, and that artists earn twenty five percent of gross sales on products sold through the platform.

This option needs careful checking. Some facilities restrict mail, business activity, drawings, third-party platforms, or payment accounts. If it is allowed, art may give a person a clean way to make money in prison while expressing themselves.

4. Build education and legal support skills

Education may not create income immediately, but it can change what a person is able to offer. A Blackstone student story describes Michael Harris, a former student who used his paralegal skills while in prison to help fellow incarcerated individuals with bankruptcy filings. The story also explains that his paralegal training helped him build credibility for legal work after release.

This example should not be copied blindly as it is prohibited to provide legal advice. Anyone trying to make money in prison through legal support skills should check state and federal regulations as well as facility policies first. Families interested in legal education can also review Blackstone’s tuition information to see how incarcerated students and sponsors may approach program costs.

5. Offer approved peer help and practical services

Inside a facility, useful skills can become valuable. Some people are good tutors. Some write neatly. Some can help draft a letter, sketch a portrait, make a greeting card, or organize a resume. The Marshall Project describes how people behind bars sometimes rely on informal economies involving cards, food, and other exchanges.

This is also an area where individuals should be cautious. These informal methods are not always permitted. A safer route is to ask whether tutoring, hobby craft sales, peer education, chapel projects, library work, or release planning help can be done through approved channels. If the facility allows it, these services may help someone make money in prison while also practicing patience, communication, and follow-through.

Making Money in Prison

There is no single best way to make money in prison. The best option depends on the facility, the person’s status, available programs, conduct record, education level, and support system. Official jobs and industry programs are often the safest place to start. Art, education, legal support skills, and peer services may add possibilities when they are allowed.

For loved ones, the most helpful role is to stay steady and practical. The goal is not just to make money in prison for the next commissary order but to help a person build structure, skill, and hope that can follow them home.

Written by Colt Parris

The post 5 Ways to Make Money in Prison appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.

If your spouse is incarcerated and you are committed to maintaining your relationship through their sentence, you may find yourself navigating a wide range of emotions. Grief, loneliness, uncertainty, frustration, hope, and love can all exist at the same time.

Being separated from your spouse is not easy. It can feel overwhelming when life takes an unexpected turn. While there’s no perfect way to cope, there are some practices that may help you care for yourself, so you can continue growing when your spouse is incarcerated.

If you are committed to maintaining your marriage throughout your spouse’s prison sentence, consider the following suggestions:

Focus on the Good Things

Focusing only on how long you and your spouse will be apart can sometimes make the separation feel even heavier. Science shows that the thoughts we continually dwell on affect our mood and literally change our brain. While it’s important to acknowledge the challenges, it may also help to intentionally notice the positive things that still exist in your life when your spouse is incarcerated.

For example, you may still be able to stay connected through letters, phone calls, or visits. You may have supportive friends, meaningful goals, or daily routines that bring comfort and stability.

Some people find it helpful to keep a gratitude list as a way of recognizing these positive aspects of life, even during difficult circumstances.

Focus on Forgiveness

For many spouses, feelings of hurt, disappointment, or anger are a natural part of the experience. While forgiveness may not be easy, it is worth moving toward. Studies show that holding onto anger negatively affects physical and mental health.

It’s also important to remember that forgiveness and trust are not the same thing. Forgiveness may be part of healing, while trust is often rebuilt gradually through consistent actions over time.

As you process your feelings, consider being honest with your spouse about your experience. Open communication can create opportunities for understanding, accountability, and growth within the relationship.

Focus on Friendships

Building intentional friendships can provide valuable support when your spouse is incarcerated. It may be especially helpful to connect with people who have experienced incarceration within their own families or relationships, as they may better understand some of the unique challenges you face.

Healthy friendships can offer encouragement, perspective, and a sense of belonging. They can also remind you that you do not have to carry everything on your own.

Because incarceration typically creates physical distance within a marriage, finding appropriate ways to experience connection and community with others can be an important part of emotional well-being while your spouse is incarcerated.

Focus on the Present

Your relationship may look different than it once did, and adjusting to that reality can be difficult. While it’s natural to miss the past, many people find it helpful to focus on what is possible in the present rather than comparing today to what once was.

You can appreciate meaningful memories while also creating new ones within the limitations of your current circumstances. Relationships continue to evolve, and both you and your spouse may grow in unexpected ways during this time.

Rather than viewing your relationship as being on hold, consider how you can continue nurturing connection, communication, and shared growth when your spouse is incarcerated.

Focus on Dreaming

While staying grounded in the present is important, it can also be helpful to look toward the future. Dreaming together about goals, plans, and possibilities may provide encouragement and a sense of purpose.

Whether your spouse’s release is near or still years away, conversations about future hopes can help strengthen your bond and remind both of you that your relationship continues beyond the current circumstances.

Focus on Acceptance

Acceptance does not mean approving of what happened or pretending that things are easy. Instead, it involves acknowledging reality as it is today.

For many people, acceptance develops gradually. One helpful first step may be allowing yourself to honestly recognize and process your emotions rather than pushing them aside.

As difficult as that process can be, accepting the reality of the situation often creates space for healing and growth.

Focus on the Lessons

Hope

Difficult seasons often lead us to reflect on where we find stability and hope. When circumstances change unexpectedly, it can be helpful to consider what continues to give you strength, purpose, and encouragement.

Life

One of life’s hardest realities is that things do not always unfold according to our plans. While incarceration may be one of the challenges you are facing, every person encounters hardships they did not choose. 

Although making comparisons can be tempting, it may be more helpful to focus on your own journey and what you are learning through it.

Compassion

Many people find that difficult experiences increase their compassion for others who are struggling. While every person’s circumstances are different, experiencing hardship can deepen empathy and help us connect more meaningfully with those around us.

Final Thoughts

This may not be the life you imagined, but there are still opportunities for growth, connection, and meaning within it.

Rather than carrying the weight of the future all at once, consider focusing on today. Small intentional choices made one day at a time can help make difficult seasons feel more manageable.

As you move forward, ask yourself: What is one thing I can do today to care for myself, strengthen my relationships, or appreciate the present moment?

The post How to Cope When Your Spouse Is Incarcerated appeared first on Blackstone Career Institute.