I am wanting to know how to go about getting information on any grants or scholarship programs that may be available for people recently released from prison. With all of the "bail out" money being so recklessly given away, surely there is something available for someone who wants to better themselves after prison.

There are plenty of grants available to those seeking education. As an excon, you may even be eligible for some of them still - depends on the grant and the conviction (some federal grants are not available to those with drug charges, if I remember correctly). There are none, however, specifically earmarked for ex-convicts.