The University of Oregon’s Prison Education Program has taken huge steps in the last few years. Upon re-entering Oregon’s prisons, the PEP has grown bigger and added new dimensions.
BACKGROUND
The UO has offered Inside-Out courses for campus-based students to learn alongside incarcerated students within prison walls since 2007. Inside-Out classes create a paradigm shift for participants, encouraging transformation in individuals and, in so doing, serve as an engine for social change.
In 2016, we took the name UO Prison Education program to reflect our expanding mission and goals. Today, the PEP offers a wide array of educational opportunities in prisons. Through innovative programming, incarcerated people in Oregon are able to learn and engage with each other, UO faculty, and campus-based or “outside” students.
“My Inside-Out experience reaffirmed my belief in the value of education… Truly, more than any other class I've ever been a part of, it showed me the transcendent power of knowledge and discourse within a group of dedicated, open-minded, enthusiastic individuals.” - Kyra, Class of 2022
“The Prison Education Program aims to educate people, but it does much more than just teach people how to write academic papers…it creates better human beings” - Anthony
This spring, we are thrilled to celebrate 16 years of programming.
HELP US CONTINUE TO GROW
Now is the time for you to donate to the Prison Education Program. Your support will be invaluable as we return to the prisons, and will allow us to expand existing programs and create new opportunities. With each dollar donated, you will enhance future prospects for incarcerated people in Oregon and increase access to this remarkable educational environment for campus students, our faculty, and members of the community. Your donation also demonstrates support for this innovative educational program, and its unique place on campus and in the prisons.
We have accomplished much over the last 16 years – despite limited resources. Increasing numbers of alumni from the PEP are now on the outside and contributing to society in meaningful ways. As we face the future, we’re turning to donors, alumni, and friends to help us grow, so we can reach more incarcerated people in Oregon and provide additional opportunities for our campus-based students.
We are increasing our statewide impact through work with the legislature and collaboration with other colleges and universities. Our Program Director, Shaul Cohen, has been appointed Chair of the Oregon Consortium for Higher Education in Prison.
KEY FACTS
- Since 2007, more than 1,000 campus-based students and 1,500 incarcerated students have participated.
- Prison education participants are 43% less likely to return to prison.
- UO has one of the largest Inside-Out programs, of more than 150 worldwide.
- Many of our inside students have their first encounter with higher education through our work, opening up new perspectives on learning in a variety of formats.
- Some of our students are able to earn a college degree while incarcerated.
- Every $1 invested in prison education saves $4-$5 in reincarceration costs
- We have a growing number of students who have completed their bachelor’s degrees while incarcerated.
We thank you for your contribution to the Prison Education Program!
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OR | 41 |
| 2 | CA | 5 |
| 3 | CO | 2 |
