Prison University Project Today

Today the Prison University Project has three full-time staff people: Executive Director Jody Lewen; Program Director Jennifer Scaife; and Administrative Assistant Miguel Kaminski. Approximately 60 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 prison- and prison education-related information and guidance to students, members of the media, academic researchers, members of the state and federal legislature and staff, individuals interested in locating or developing similar 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 bi-annual newsletter and an annual Journal of Student Writing, 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 volunteer members the Prison University Project also participate widely in public educational activities, organize cultural events, and teach, lecture, and publish on related topics.