Georgetown University Prison Justice Initiative

Georgetown Prisons and Justice Initiative proposes to use these funds to support its operations for the Prison Scholars Program, Bachelor of Liberal Arts Program, MORCA-Georgetown Paralegal Program, and the Pivot Program. The purpose is to offer higher education opportunities, reentry training and support, and advocacy that transforms the lives of and uplifts those impacted by incarceration. Project activities include training staff on best practices and offering professional development opportunities for our formerly incarcerated staff, recruiting, hiring, and continuing employment of key program staff and faculty, purchasing laptops, textbooks, and other required classroom and student supplies, and providing emergency assistance support to current and former program participants. Funds will support the administration of these programs over one year for a total of approximately 200 current participants annually, and the ongoing support of hundreds of alumni from all programs, connecting participants with needed support such as mental health care, housing, transportation, employment, etc. Expected outcomes include education and development of a diverse, trauma-informed team of staff and faculty well-equipped to meet participant needs. Outcomes also include quality higher education in prison, education and training upon reentry, increased employment rates for participants, reduction in recidivism in the DMV area, and increased community engagement regarding impacts of incarceration on families and communities. We will also produce regular program assessments, evaluations, and enhancements. Students and fellows will engage in educational coursework in a wide variety of subject areas, professional development, connection to community-based reentry support, skills building, and securing employment. Expected outcomes for students and fellows include improved quality of life for justice impacted folks and their families, enhanced preparation for reentry success, and sustained, meaningful employment and financial stability following release.