For those whose lives are most controlled and exploited by systems of domination, the potential for a critical reimagining of pedagogy is an unknown myth of academia. Philosophers and university students extol the transformative potential of education. Rarely, however, do their recognitions manifest as tangible actions in the ghettos, slums and cities of America. However, these archetypal zones of exclusion have seen their share of new educational movements. Magnet and charter schools, greater community involvement, and innovative extracurricular programs all carry significant potential to overcome the ubiquitous economic boundaries masked by intellectual impasses. While these programs have their flaws and deficits, the focus of this article is not a criticism or praise of these initiatives. Rather, I seek to investigate the potential transformative power of education at the heart of domination and exclusion: the American prison. Here, young people excluded from the start by entrenched systems of oppression are pushed one step further from the community and dragged deeper into structures of control. Incarceration signals a forced withdrawal from community and education and casts an indelible shadow over the prisoner's future: depression, stigma, loss of opportunity, and the seemingly endless trap of recidivism. Educational strategies that push the boundaries of the prison system and encourage students to critically engage with the political concerns that have structured their identity and social position represent a real and indispensable opportunity for meaningful change both within the penal system and more broadly. broad social sphere. Education here presents itself as a paradoxical place of revolution. A …… middle of paper…… Reading: In addition to the failures of youth education, the entire juvenile detention system is riddled with deeply rooted abuses that cause harm to both offenders and the public. While I can't provide an exhaustive list of additional resources, an article close to home is quite informative and provocative. This article, written by a New York University law professor, should give you a lot to think about. Works Cited Faruqee, Mishi. Rethinking juvenile detention in New York City. Rep. Juvenile Justice Project, March 2002. Web. 19 December 2009. Holman, B. and J. Zeidenberg, (2006) The Dangers of Detention, Justice Policy Institute. National Blueprint for Reentry. Rep. Legal Action Center, October 2008. Web. December 19, 2009."Prison Industrial Complex." United Church of Christ. Network. December 19, 2009. <"http://www.ucc.org/justice/criminal-justice/prison-industrial-complex.html">