Because there is a disproportionate representation of poverty level inmates with poor educational backgrounds, poverty level inmates with poor educational backgrounds, prisons have a great opportunity to have a significant rehabilitational impact. In Illinois, the prison education system mirrors the public system. Administrators at each site serve as salesmen for education. Staff includes vocational and academic teachers, counselors, and contractual educators offering college level coursework. In Illinois, the assignment committee assigns inmates to programs; the adjustment committee determines program opportunities and can provide awards to inmates for success in programs. The racial and educational composition of these committees can be essential to the educational program's content and rehabilitative success. Finally, a successful program must emphasize testing and appropriate placement. Once a black inmate experiences success in the program, feelings of pride and self-worth often replace feelings of hostility and inadequacy. Because education in prison does not compete with needs for food, clothing, and shelter, well thought-out programs and responsible administration have the potential to give black inmates a new sense of hope and self-determination. Seven references are included.