Record Progress: Earn Freedom Through Merit!
Free resources and a platform to document preparation for success.
At BOP Headquarters with Deputy Director Josh Smith
Every day we're working to advance our mission of opening more opportunities for people to earn freedom through merit:
Read Mission UpdatesWE'RE HERE FOR YOU
Free Resources Designed for Your Role
Whether you're facing charges, preparing for the journey ahead, supporting a loved one, representing clients, or working in corrections, choose the path below to access relevant tools and resources.
I'm Facing Charges
The system may overwhelm you. Learn to prepare for each stage.
- Prepare for your best outcome
- Understand what's coming next
- Build your case for leniency
My Loved One Is Inside
You're not alone in this journey.
- Stay connected & supportive
- Navigate the system together
- Plan for their return home
I Represent Clients
Strengthen your defense strategy and help your clients help themselves.
- Mitigation resources
- Client preparation resources
- Sentencing advocacy guides
I Work in Corrections
Reduce recidivism. Transform lives.
- Proven program curriculum
- Implementation support
- Measurable outcomes
100% Free Resources
Everything You Need to Prepare
and Document Progress on Your Profile
Lessons, books, and podcasts—created by people who earned the highest level of liberty, at the soonest time, and succeeded upon release.
Lessons
Short, practical lessons that help you prepare, build skills, and document progress toward reentry.
Free Books
Books that teach and inspire, showing how to prepare for different stages of the journey, and work toward the best possible outcomes.
Podcasts
Real conversations with formerly incarcerated people and others who can offer insights and strategies to grow through the crisis of confinement.
REAL STORIES, REAL FREEDOM
Your Story Has Power. Put it On Record by Writing.
Whether you're facing charges, serving time, or rebuilding after release, your journey matters. Document your growth, demonstrate accountability, and build a record showing merit and why you're worthy of higher levels of liberty.
“When I went before the parole board, I showed them my profile. 847 lessons completed, over 50,000 words written. They could see I wasn't just talking about change—I was living it. That profile helped me earn my freedom.”
Join 4,907+ people building documented records of preparation. We designed our dashboards to support real-world decision making that can lead to higher levels of liberty, based on merit.
Document Your Growth
Every lesson completed, every reflection written—your profile captures the work you're putting in. Create a record to show why you're worthy of relief.
Show Decision-Makers
Judges, parole boards, and employers look for evidence of change. Your profile provides tangible evidence of your commitment to transformation.
Track Your Progress
Watch your progress grow with the points you earn. See how far you've come—and stay motivated by documenting each milestone.
Stories of Transformation
Real voices from people who've used our programs to prepare for success.
““After learning about Prison Professors while incarcerated at FCC Petersburg Medium, I became interested in using the program as a pathway toward preparation, personal growth, and successful reentry. Even while going through transfers within the Bureau of Prisons, I remained focused on getting start...”
““Receiving a response from Prison Professors was the first good news I had received during my incarceration, and it gave me hope that my life could truly begin changing. I realized that I do not want to continue living the same cycle that led me to prison, and I am now committed to becoming the CEO...”
““After hearing Michael Santos speak at FCI Atlanta, I was inspired by the positive and affirming message of Prison Professors and the belief that people can continue growing and preparing for success despite incarceration. With the help of a friend on the outside, I created a Prison Professors prof...”
Latest Lessons
Practical strategies and hard-earned wisdom to help you navigate the system, prepare for what's ahead, and build a path to success.
From a 45-Year Sentence to Earning Freedom
Michael Santos shares his incredible transformation from a 45-year federal prison sentence to a life of meaning and service. Discover how a three-part plan focused on education, contribution, and a strong support network enabled him to rebuild his life.
Jun 19, 2026
Reaching New Audiences with X and Changpeng Zhao
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, publicly revealed his $2 million donation to Prison Professors, sparking a vital conversation on X about prison education. His support amplifies our mission to provide free educational resources for justice-impacted individuals. This powerful endorsement shows that reform can begin with empowerment through education.
Jun 18, 2026
First Step Act and Earned Time Credits: A Plain-English Explanation
The federal justice system's language and rules can be overwhelming. This article demystifies the First Step Act, earned time credits, statutory good conduct time, and RDAP, explaining how these different mechanisms work to help individuals transition to liberty. Gain a clearer understanding to advocate for yourself effectively.
Jun 17, 2026
The Long Road to Building Trust
The support Prison Professors received from Binance founder CZ is not just philanthropy, but the culmination of decades of preparation, persistence, and a steadfast mission. Michael Santos shares his 26-year journey, detailing how living by principles of education, contribution, and network building ultimately forged invaluable trust and opportunities. This article reveals the long road to creating meaningful impact.Get Free Guidance for Your Situation
Whether you're facing incarceration, supporting a loved one, or working in corrections—we'll send you personalized resources to help.
- Free personalized email guidance based on your situation
- Access to exclusive lessons and resources
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Support Our Mission
Your tax-deductible donation helps provide free education and advocacy to people in prison and their families.
Sends one book to someone in prison
Provides course materials for 5 people
Sponsors one person's complete PSAP course
Funds books for an entire housing unit
100% of donations fund free education. Prison Professors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
EIN: 85-2603315. All donations are tax-deductible.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're preparing for sentencing, supporting a loved one, or looking to volunteer—we're here to help.