During a recent visit to Sheridan Correctional Center, located 90 minutes southwest of Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson engaged with incarcerated students about their educational aspirations and broader societal issues. Johnson urged the students to channel their energy into building a more equitable economy to minimize the need for prisons. Currently, only 2% of Illinois' over 30,000 incarcerated individuals are enrolled in college-level programs, despite research indicating that education significantly improves post-release outcomes. The Northwestern Prison Education Program, which facilitated the mayor's visit, represents one of the limited educational opportunities available within the Illinois Department of Corrections, which has only 12 programs across 10 facilities. The upcoming broadcast of 'Prisoncast!' on April 12 will explore the possibilities and obstacles of obtaining an education in prison, featuring stories from inmates and their families, as well as advocates. Topics will include creative dignity-preserving routines among female inmates and the ongoing struggles with healthcare in Illinois prisons.