The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to determine if, and to what extent, correlations existed between self-esteem level, age, and grade level change of an adult male inmate enrolled in a Functional Literacy (FL) Program in the Southern Region of Arizona. Current research examined the relationships between self-esteem and age to determine if they have an association with grade level change. The sample size for this study was 84 participants. The theoretical foundation framework consisted of three theories that were used to assist in the development of the research and hypothesis questions were: Growth Mindset, Social Learning Theory and Self-Efficacy Theory. The data from the descriptive analysis allowed the researcher to identify traits of the study sample. The first research questions revealed a very weak, positive, but statistically nonsignificant relationship between self-esteem and grade level change r[subscript s] (89) = 0.07, p = 0.497. Therefore, the first null hypothesis failed to be rejected. The second research question had a very weak, negative, but statistically non-significant relationship between age and grade level change r[subscript s] (89) = -0.09, p = -0.408. Therefore, the second null hypothesis failed to be rejected. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]