Prison University Project Today

The Prison University Project currently has six full-time staff people: Executive Director Jody Lewen; Program Director Amy Roza; Operations Manager Jacqueline Nelson; Program Associate Kara Urion, Development Director Sabrina Qutb, and Administrative Assistant Amanda Howell. Jessica Koistinen is the part-time Teacher Education and Curriculum Development Specialist. Well over 100 volunteers - including instructors, teaching assistants, tutors and office interns – each contribute 4-10 hours per week every semester.

Besides the College Program at San Quentin, the Prison University Project provides information and guidance to academic researchers, students, members of the media, members of the state and federal legislature and their staff, individuals seeking or developing prison education programs at other institutions, people incarcerated at institutions other than San Quentin, and friends and family members of people in prison.

The Prison University Project also produces a quarterly newsletter and an annual Journal of Student Writing, OpenLine; holds an annual graduation ceremony and semesterly creative performances at San Quentin; and hosts numerous other special academic and cultural events inside and outside of the prison.

Staff and volunteers of the Prison University Project also participate widely in public educational activities, organize cultural events, and teach, lecture, and publish on related topics.