Guiding People toward success
Education will be free and accessible to everyone. Get self-directed resources to empower your pursuit of excellence and higher levels of liberty.
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50+
Prisons we've visited to make in-person presentations. We don't only teach and inspire, we lead train-the-trainer seminars to promote peer-to-peer learning and improve the culture of confinement.
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1,000+
People in custody taking initiative to build profiles on the Prison Professors Talent platform. They're memorializing steps to prepare for success as law-abiding, contributing citizens.
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1,100+
Jails and prisons that offer our lessons, courses, and books to teach and inspire people. In our self-directed courses, people learn how to accelerate pathways to success upon release.
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900K+
People in custody with daily access to Prison Professors lessons, courses, and books through our collaboration with the Edovo Foundation and direct partnership with government agencies.
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Book reviews
Our books show that despite today's challenges, anyone can begin sowing seeds for a better future. Visit our books page. We recommend readers begin with Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Prison Term. Other books include self-directed exercises to prompt personal development through challenging times. [Reviews pulled from Amazon]
I wish the book was 10,000 pages and told more of a daily story of the life in prison. I know the pages has to be limited but I could have read it as if it was a daily journey!
Fantastic read of a book written by an amazing man. Much here from which you can learn & grow. Respect !
Great book for both the inmate and their family. Michael speaks very openly. I purchased the digital copy for myself and the book for my boyfriend who is re-incarcerated - 30 years before he met me - one more year of a 2 year sentence after we met. Hopefully with this book and my help he can make better decisions.
Michael Santos really takes you inside the life as a prisoner. I felt the pain and emotion he was going through while reading it. After reading the book I have looked into Mr. Santos life after prison and the work he is doing to help fellow prisoners and inspire people. This truly is an inspiration book to read!
Earning Freedom, for me, is a cross between Man's Search For Meaning, The Alchemist, and The Slight Edge. It shows how you can persevere through hard times when you have a vision and dedication, is a fascinating look in the inside of jails, and is also wildly inspiring for people inside and outside of jail.
This is a great read for anyone wanting to know what prison is like and how it changes from place to place. A must read if you are charged with a crime. It shows how to use the time behind bars to better yourself and keep it in the best perspective. Would be great for family and friends to understand the behind the scenes scenarios both good and that need improvement. Also, a great book to send to those in prison for their encouragement. Call the correctional center or prison to get the proper information needed on the Amazon shipping to label. I enjoyed the book.
We came accross this great author by accident, watching YouTube videos about other things and he was interviewed about this life experience. We purchased his book and were astonished to learn about Michael's life and prison in general. His writing style is so polished and professional, his attitude and wisdom are amazing. Kudos and thanks to Michael for this book and many others we are looking forward to reading soon! We highly recommend it!
“ Inside is actually two books. The red meat of the book is a collection of more than 100 prisoners' accounts, including every gruesome detail… But between shocking tales of inmate misbehavior are Santos' convincing theories about what it all means.”
“The tone and his focus on other inmates' experiences rather than his own lend the book weight and authenticity, opening a window onto the corrupt, violent and ultimately counter-productive society of American prisons.”
"Inside is not recommended for the faint at heart. Santos eloquently and engagingly captures the subculture of the prisoner. Inside is a must-read.”
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Our Founder
At 23, I was arrested for leading a non-violent cocaine trafficking operation and sentenced to 45 years in prison. In solitary confinement, I began reading transformative works and decided to change. I built a strategy around education, service, and mentorship, treating my life like a business. After serving 26 years, I emerged committed to criminal justice reform, using my experience to help others succeed through mindset, purpose, and measurable progress.
Arrested and Brought into System
On August 11, 1987, federal authorities arrested me for my role in a cocaine trafficking operation. Although the charges did not involve violence, I held a leadership position and faced a severe sentence. I was 23 years old. During that first year, authorities confined me to solitary while I navigated the judicial process. Unaware of what lay ahead, I made a series of poor decisions—most notably, choosing to go to trial rather than accepting responsibility for my actions.
Sentenced to 45 Years
Following a lengthy trial, a jury convicted me. I returned to the same solitary cell, uncertain of what would come next. An officer began bringing me books. I read about Socrates, Frederick Douglass, Viktor Frankl, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi. Their stories helped me to think differently. I began thinking about steps I could take to make amends. My judge sentenced me to 45 years, and I made a commitment to work toward reconciling with society. That strategy helped me recalibrate.
Tools, Tactics, Resources
To triumph over the challenges of confinement, I built a three-part plan. First, I'd work to earn academic credentials. Second, I’d find ways to contribute to society in meaningful, measurable ways. Third, I’d build a strong support network of mentors. I documented progress by journaling. That strategy helped me build confidence. I lived as if I were the CEO of my life, making intentional choices and tracking progress. That mindset put me on a path to succeed.
Improving Outcomes for All
My prison adjustment set the foundation for everything I’ve achieved since completing my sentence, on August 12, 2013. I wanted to build solutions. Today, my work focuses on improving outcomes for anyone in the criminal justice system, helping others prepare for success. Through education, advocacy, and personal example, I strive to create safer communities by championing reforms that reward merit. We must be intentional when engineering success, through mindset, action, and commitment.
In-Person Keynotes & Presentations
Our founder, Michael Santos, delivers inspiring keynotes and presentations to audiences in prisons, universities, and professional settings nationwide.
Drawing from his extraordinary journey—transforming 26 years in federal prison into a pathway to success—Michael shares actionable strategies on resilience, mindset, and personal growth.
His engaging presentations blend authentic storytelling, practical wisdom, and an unwavering belief in human potential, leaving participants inspired, informed, and motivated to overcome obstacles and reach their highest aspirations.
Who we serve
We offer resources that people who are going through a crisis or challenge can use to recalibrate. It's never too early or too late to begin building pathways to a better outcome. Each individual can build a body of work that opens opportunities for the next phase, empowering them to live meaningful, contributing lives.
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Incarcerated Learners
Get access to our lessons, books, or self-directed courses. Regardless of what staff do, you grow.
Correctional Facilities
Improve the culture of your facility, inspiring people to learn. Be the change you want to see.
Lawyers & Law Firms
Offering resources to help people develop assets for self-advocacy, building mitigation stories.
Family, Friends, & Community
Download daily lessons to inspire people in custody. Help them build self-confidence and prepare.
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I recently graduated from your course. The curriculum inspired me. Thank you.
Your courses have been inspiring. They've given me hope, and now I'm on a mission.
I appreciate the lessons you teach. You've motivated me to make changes in my life.
Your life story inspired me, Thank you for your effort to change the prison system.
I came across your workbook, went through it, and I thank you deeply.
I love your mindset. You helped me during tough times. Thanks.
I am inspired by your course. I am taking incremental steps each day.
I am a facilitator and we love to teach your material here.
Your program motivated me to learn more and think different.
Your PSAP class is by far the best class I've ever taken or seen in my life.
I started watching your courses on Edovo. They brought tears and hope.
I watch your podcast daily. Thank you for encouraging me.
Earning Freedom opened a door that I never knew existed.
Your podcast inspired me and helped me through my first bid.
“Michael’s book literally changed my life. I went from hopeless to real hope.”
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Principles we teach
The origins of our self-directed courses began with readings of Socrates, Frederick Douglass, Nelson Mandela, and modern leaders who teach us how to live as if we're the CEO of our life. To overcome any crisis, or build solutions, follow the principles of our Straight-A Guide.
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Frequently
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Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Write to us at:
Info@PrisonProfessors.Org