FOUNDER

MICHAEL SANTOS

Michael Santos transformed 26 years in federal prison into a journey of growth and preparation, guided by remarkable leaders like Socrates, Nelson Mandela, and Viktor Frankl. Committed to empowering others, he founded Prison Professors to share actionable strategies that anyone can use to recalibrate and succeed—regardless of past decisions or present circumstances.

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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Our Founder

Michael Santos

Federal prison from 1987-2012

Learn more

On August 11, 1987, authorities took me into custody. I lived in federal prisons of every security level. After 9,500 days, on August 12, 2013, I concluded my obligation to the Bureau of Prisons. Lessons I learned while serving that sentence positioned me for success. Links below show how I'm still adhering to those lessons today.

Accountability Log Daily Blog Influences

Arrest

Arrested on August 11 for cocaine trafficking, I faced life in prison at just 23. As my first time in custody, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about my future.

1987

Sentenced to 45 Years

Following a lengthy trial and pre-sentence investigation, the judge sentenced me to serve 45 years in federal prison.

1988

Tools, Tactics, Resources

To overcome prison barriers, I documented every achievement and milestone, building tangible proof of my preparation for a productive life after release.

1995

Impact

After building a portfolio of assets valued at several million, I transitioned my career to making a positive impact. I strive to improve outcomes for all people in the criminal justice system, building safer communities by creating changes that allow people to earn higher levels of liberty through merit.

2025

I'll never ask anyone to do anything I didn't do

I served 26 years in federal prison, guided every step of the way by lessons from extraordinary leaders like Socrates, Frederick Douglass, Viktor Frankl, and Nelson Mandela. Their teachings showed me how to transform adversity into strength. Today, I share the exact strategies I used to prepare for success—strategies anyone can follow. Through my writing, daily blogs, and transparency with an accountability log, I strive to inspire others by demonstrating that regardless of our past, we all have the power to create meaningful change and build a life of significance.

Influences

When authorities arrested me on 8/11/1987, I went straight into solitary confinement. Facing trial, I felt lost and uncertain about the future. After a jury convicted me, I knew I had to change. An officer brought me books from inspiring leaders, teaching me to think differently. By embracing their wisdom, I transformed my mindset. Today, I share these insights so others can build better futures—and document their own journeys.

Daily Blog

I publish a daily blog with practical lessons, strategies, and insights that empowered me to overcome adversity. Writing daily sharpened my critical thinking and decision-making skills, opening doors to new opportunities. The discipline I practiced in prison taught me to become the CEO of my life. Through our books, courses, and daily lessons, we teach others to take charge of their own lives and build lasting success.

Accountability

In times of crisis, daily accountability is essential. We must define clear goals, make deliberate choices, and measure progress continually. The decisions we make today create opportunities tomorrow. The logs I use today demonstrate how I sustain the strategies that carried me through prison and beyond. Embrace daily accountability to track your growth, strengthen your resolve, and transform your future.