In mid-July, I’m going to make presentations in four federal prisons.
Whenever I walk into a prison to teach our courses—Preparing for Success after Prison, Triumph: Building Bridges to Success, and Journaling for Personal Growth—I see the same hunger in the people I meet: a desire to do better, to earn trust, and to build a brighter future. If they didn’t want to prepare for success, they wouldn’t sign up to attend the seminar.
Our programs reach more than a million individuals through our relationship with the Bureau of Prisons, the California Department of Corrections, and platforms like Edovo. But even after people complete these lessons, I hear a common question:
“What comes next?”
That question inspired us to build the profiles section on Prison Professors. I hope that you'll use it.
It’s a platform where anyone can create a portfolio to showcase their growth, discipline, and readiness to return to society with purpose. People can write their biographies, journal entries, book reports, release plans, and testimonials. This digital record becomes a story of redemption—one they author themselves.
How You Can Build a Profile?
A strong profile can open doors. It helps someone advocate for a job, a mentorship, or even a pathway to a higher level of liberty. Whether you’re just starting your sentence or already planning for release, a digital footprint of consistent effort tells the world, “I’m ready.”
People with criminal records face enormous odds. That’s why I urge everyone to take control by documenting their journey. Rather than simply working on personal development, build a body of work to show others that you’re serious, reliable, and worth investing in.
Our Commitment to Reform
This platform will build momentum for change.
We'll continue working to create tools that help drive reforms rooted in merit. Our goal is to advocate for broader access to work-release programs, home confinement, and earned freedom through effort. When people build strong profiles, they show us—and policymakers—that they are preparing for success.
New Feature: Gamify Your Growth
We’re excited to announce a new feature that rewards participants with points for every contribution—journal entries, book reports, release plan updates. The more you contribute, the more points you earn. A public leaderboard will highlight the individuals working the hardest. I got inspired to build this part of our website after seeing the remarkable progress of one member from our community.
We want to encourage people to build tribes, and compete to show that they’re the hardest working people, always preparing for success. People should support one another. Anyone can earn credit by helping the community grow. Each point tells a story of commitment and consistency. We hope to generate support from businesses, who will open opportunities for people who work the hardest.
For examples of those who are using our "Profiles" platform to show how they're pursuing excellence, visit our "leaderboard."
Everything We Offer Is Free
We built the "profiles" section of our website based on lessons I learned while going through 26 years in prison. I know the uphill battle we all face. That’s why everything we offer is free—and designed to help others succeed through values-based, self-directed action.
REFLECTION JOURNAL PROMPT: Consider the following question:
What is one way I can document my growth this week to help others see my commitment to success?
🔍 SAMPLE RESPONSE
This week, I’m going to start writing daily journal entries. I’ll reflect on the choices I’m making, the books I’m reading, and the ways I’m preparing for release. I’ll also draft a short biography that explains who I am and what I’ve been doing since my incarceration. My goal is to create a record of who I’m becoming, not just who I was.
🧱 PROJECT: BUILDING YOUR PROFILE
Biography: Who you are, what you've learned, and where you're going
Journal: Daily reflections to track your journey
Book Reports: Demonstrate your commitment to learning
Release Plan: Show how you're preparing for reentry
Testimonials: Invite others to vouch for your character and growth
💬 QUOTE TO REMEMBER
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." — C.S. Lewis
🧠 SELF-DIRECTED QUESTIONS
What strengths have I developed during my time inside?
How can I use writing to document and share my personal growth?
In what ways have I prepared for life after prison?
Who could I ask to write a testimonial on my behalf?
How will a strong profile help me in my reentry efforts?