The Prison Education Program (PEP) at the University of Oregon provides a range of unique educational opportunities for people incarcerated in Oregon’s prisons, as well as credit and non-credit bearing courses and activities for campus-based students. Elements of the PEP include Inside-Out classes in two of Oregon’s prisons, Inside-only classes at three prisons, and common readings, workshops, lectures, and other activities at four prisons.

The PEP also provides television programming to all of Oregon’s prisons and has an interactive distance learning program for individuals in solitary confinement/disciplinary housing at two of the prisons.The PEP draws upon faculty from a range of disciplines across the colleges at the university and annually hosts a robust cohort of approximately 12 student interns. The PEP does not grant degrees, but supports the attainment of a bachelor’s degree through other UO majors. Student involvement with the PEP has had considerable impact on post-graduate interests, redirecting many students to law school, work in the criminal justice system, and in nonprofits working with people at high risk for involvement in the criminal justice system or people who are reentering communities after incarceration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to be approved as a Department of Corrections volunteer or contractor Professional Competencies
• Ability to work in complex settings with diverse populations
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple projects
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of Inside-Out courses and other teaching and activities in a carceral setting
• Experience with budget development, implementation, and oversight Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working in carceral settings, including work with incarcerated individuals and administrative work with Department of Corrections and university staff
• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to prison education work
• Grant writing and fundraising experience
• Experience supervising and training undergraduate student workers and volunteers
• Familiarity with University of Oregon departments and administrative bodies
• Familiarity with other Oregon organizations serving incarcerated and previously incarcerated student
• Experience with reentry support and services
• Competence in a second language
• Those with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

‍

For further information please contact the program at uoprisoned@uoregon.edu

‍