Course
Preparing for Success After Prison is a free, 30-hour course that helps participants build habits, document progress, and prepare intentionally for release. Through 30 structured lessons, participants strengthen personal accountability, develop release plans, and create a written record of growth and readiness.
Correctional staff may use the course as a First Step Act Productive Activity under SENTRY code PSAP. Eligible participants may earn First Step Act time credits based on agency requirements and staff documentation.
Use this page to review the course, access the facilitator guide and lessons, download worksheets, or request printed workbooks at no cost.
Course at a Glance
30-Lesson Framework
The 30 lessons naturally group into preparation phases. Each lesson includes a dedicated downloadable resource.
Lessons 1 through 5 offer an introduction, showing the power that comes from leading a values-based, goal-oriented adjustment.
This lesson introduces the importance of defining personal values as the foundation for meaningful goals. Participants learn how clear values guide decisions before and after release.
Participants examine how attitude shapes outcomes and how aspiration influences long-term direction. The lesson encourages intentional thinking about the future rather than reacting to circumstances.
This lesson focuses on taking responsibility through consistent action. Participants learn how accountability builds credibility and momentum over time.
Participants develop greater self-awareness and learn why authenticity matters in relationships and decision-making. The lesson emphasizes aligning actions with personal truth.
This lesson explores how achievement is built through effort and reflection. Participants also learn the role appreciation plays in sustaining motivation and perspective.
Lessons 6 through 15 provide guidance on how any person in prison can use this strategy to begin sowing seeds for a better outcome.
This lesson introduces the concept of a mastermind—learning from people who supply directing or creative intelligence. Participants follow a multi-step process for finding mentors, assessing their qualifications, and applying their lessons to make better decisions.
This lesson helps participants define success on their own terms rather than adopting external expectations. Clear definitions provide direction during preparation and reentry.
Participants learn how to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. The lesson shows how values-based goals open opportunities and higher levels of liberty at every stage of the journey.
This lesson reinforces how attitude affects relationships, discipline, and outcomes. Participants learn strategies to maintain a constructive outlook during challenges.
Participants are encouraged to think beyond limitations imposed by past decisions or incarceration. The lesson focuses on ambition rooted in responsibility and preparation.
This lesson connects daily actions to a broader sense of purpose. Participants learn how intentional effort creates meaning and direction.
Participants examine the role of personal accountability in building trust and credibility. The lesson emphasizes ownership of choices and outcomes.
This lesson emphasizes staying aware of surroundings and opportunities. Participants learn how awareness, introspection, and accountability logs help build a supportive network before release.
Participants learn the importance of recognizing progress and milestones. The lesson reinforces reflection as a tool for sustained motivation.
This lesson revisits appreciation and authenticity as practices that strengthen relationships. Participants learn how gratitude supports resilience and humility.
Lessons 16 through 30 offer stand-alone lessons on personal development. These lessons involve more writing and critical thinking; participants should use critical thinking to memorialize their personal growth and preparations for success.
Participants explore the Latin phrase 'I came, I saw, I conquered' as a framework for their journey. The lesson shows how a deliberate plan can turn a prison term into a story of preparation and triumph.
This lesson focuses on accountability as a tool for continuous improvement. Participants learn how feedback and reflection support personal growth.
Participants learn how to channel ambition productively rather than impulsively. The lesson emphasizes discipline and ethical decision-making.
This lesson teaches the importance of clear, respectful communication. Participants learn how communication affects relationships, employment, and supervision.
Participants explore creativity as a force for personal development during confinement. The lesson encourages imagination, curiosity, and thinking outside the box to solve problems and express themselves.
This lesson strengthens analytical and decision-making skills. Participants learn how critical thinking reduces risk and improves outcomes.
Participants learn the value of consistent effort over time. The lesson emphasizes persistence as a driver of success.
This lesson introduces emotional awareness and regulation. Participants learn how emotional intelligence improves relationships and self-control.
Participants learn how empathy strengthens connection and understanding. The lesson emphasizes perspective-taking as a leadership skill.
This lesson focuses on personal agency and responsibility. Participants learn how empowered thinking supports lawful and productive living.
Participants explore standards, discipline, and self-respect. The lesson emphasizes excellence as a daily practice.
This lesson revisits goal-setting with an emphasis on refinement and adjustment. Participants learn how to adapt goals as circumstances change.
Participants deepen their understanding of gratitude as a stabilizing force. The lesson reinforces appreciation as a habit that supports perspective.
This lesson emphasizes learning from setbacks and experience. Participants learn how a growth mindset supports resilience and adaptation.
Participants learn how integrity shapes reputation and opportunity. The lesson emphasizes trust as essential to relationships, supervision, and long-term success.
We designed this course as an integrated preparation system rather than isolated lessons. Each phase builds on the previous one, helping participants move from mindset to habits, from planning to execution.
The value of the course comes from consistent application and documentation, not one-time completion.
Downloadable Materials
Download the facilitator guide and course materials below. All materials are free and may be printed and distributed within correctional facilities. (ONLY AVAILABLE TO OFFICIAL BOP.GOV EMAIL ADDRESSES)
For Facilitators
Preparing for Success After Prison is a 30-hour, facilitator-led Productive Activity listed under SENTRY code PSAP. For participants to receive First Step Act credit, staff should administer the complete course in accordance with Bureau of Prisons requirements.
Staff may determine the pace and schedule based on institutional needs, provided participants complete the full 30-hour course.
Individual lessons may be used separately as supplemental resources. Selective or self-directed use, however, does not constitute completion of PSAP for First Step Act credit.
We're here to help correctional staff access course materials and implement Preparing for Success After Prison. Send us a message if you have questions or need assistance.
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