This study brings forth a theory for reducing Colorado's prison population utilizing education and early intervention as described through qualitative methods. This paper contributes to the body of literature surrounding the prison reform debate. In order to capture the opinions and beliefs of relevant stakeholders regarding the barriers to implementation of education within prisons in Colorado, a purposeful stratified sample of legislators from the Colorado General Assembly, representatives from victim and inmate advocacy groups, and former employees from the Colorado Department of Corrections were interviewed. Qualitative data were explored and coded for themes using NVivo and following the rigorous analysis of grounded theory research. Data collected from the interviews provided information on how to reduce the barriers to the provision of education in Colorado prisons and was used in the development of a theory for decarceration. The theory works to suppress the obstacles for current prisoners, allowing them greater opportunity upon release and creating a savings in future recidivism rates. The savings could then be reinvested in early intervention and preventative measures to reduce future prison populations and to ensure more crime-free communities. Validation was ensured through member checks; triangulation; rich, thick description; and sustained engagement with data through the constant comparative analysis process. Interpretations are given for the subsequent results, study limitations, and policy implications. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]