Free education. Real opportunity.
A better future starts today.
Free lessons, practical tools, and a place to document your growth. Prepare for life beyond prison, one step at a time.
- Profiles created
- 9,762
- Words written
- 20,042,506
- Points earned
- 100,837
Wherever you are in the journey.
You do not have to figure it all out at once. Find the resources that fit your situation.
I'm preparing for prison or release
Take practical steps before sentencing, during incarceration, and as you prepare to come home.
Start preparingI'm supporting a loved one
Understand the journey and help someone you love stay connected, learn, and prepare.
Find family resourcesI represent clients
Help clients demonstrate accountability and document their preparation for the future.
Explore attorney resourcesI work in corrections
Bring free lessons and self-directed learning into your facility.
Explore our programsLearn today. Build for tomorrow.
Small steps. Lasting preparation.
Learn from lived experience. Set goals, develop new skills, and make a plan for the life you want to build.
Books that open possibilities
Practical guidance and firsthand stories to read, reflect on, and learn from.
Experience worth listening to
Conversations about accountability, overcoming setbacks, and life after prison.
Your effort matters. Put it on record.
A goal becomes more meaningful when you can show the work behind it. Create a free profile to document what you learn, how you contribute, and how you are preparing for success.
Your record of preparation
Tell your story
Write a biography that reflects your values and goals.
Document the daily work
Keep a journal of your learning and reflections.
Show what you are learning
Share book reports and the lessons you put into practice.
Build a release plan
Turn your goals into specific steps for coming home.
Your story. Your effort. A record you can share.
Real people. Real work. New possibilities.
Our founder, Michael Santos, served 26 years in federal prison. That experience shapes our work today: helping people use their time to learn, contribute, and prepare for success.
Read Michael's storyParticipants share their experiences
Recorded inside USP Coleman, this video features people discussing their experiences with Prison Professors programs while incarcerated. Hear their stories in their own words.
"You showed us a way when we were hopeless"
Hear this participant at 0:08
Recorded inside USP Coleman. Picture and sound quality reflect the recording conditions. Video in English.
Damond Talbot on growth inside prison
In this conversation with Michael Santos, Damond Talbot describes a class of 26 men sharing what they learn, families helping build profiles, and visits reaching hundreds of people. Hear how free education helps participants document their progress and find hope.
"It's so awesome to see the change. Guys are hungry. Guys are motivated."
Damond Talbot
A conversation with Michael Santos and Damond Talbot. Picture and sound quality reflect the recording conditions. Video in English.
Preparation, in practice.
Nov 3, 2026
Walking Away From a Federal Prison Camp: What It Costs
Walking away from a federal prison camp is treated as an escape, leading to severe legal and personal consequences. This article explores the hidden costs, from new charges to losing minimum-security status. Learn how preparation and self-discipline are crucial for successful navigation.
Read the story
Nov 3, 2026
FSA Credits and the Halfway House: A Supreme Court Lesson
The Supreme Court case Maxwell v. Dinis highlights crucial lessons for individuals earning First Step Act credits for halfway house or home confinement. Understanding the BOP's application process and administrative remedies is key. Learn how to prepare effectively for release.
Read the story
Nov 3, 2026
Timothy Handy Turns Preparation Into a Daily Practice
Through reading, writing, education, and outreach, Timothy Handy is building a documented foundation for purposeful reentry.
Read the storyIs Prison Professors really free?
Yes. Our lessons, books, and profile tools are free to the people we serve. Prison Professors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by donations.
Who are these resources for?
People facing charges, people in prison, people preparing for release, and their families. Attorneys and corrections professionals can also use our resources to support the people they serve.
Can someone in prison use the resources?
Yes. Our materials are available through correctional education platforms and printed resources. Families can also print and mail lessons, following the facility's rules for incoming mail.
What can I put on my profile?
Your biography, journals, book reports, achievements, and release plan. Together, these entries help you document your learning, accountability, and preparation for life after prison.
Help open the next door.
Your support helps bring free education and tools for preparation to people in prison and their families.
Stay connected to the work.
Get free guidance and updates from Prison Professors.
Sign up for updatesRead our mission updatesPrison Professors Charitable Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 85-2603315. Donations support our educational programs and the operations that make them possible.