MICHAEL SANTOS
Michael Santos transformed 26 years in federal prison into a journey of growth and preparation, guided by remarkable leaders like Socrates, Nelson Mandela, and Viktor Frankl. Committed to empowering others, he founded Prison Professors to share actionable strategies that anyone can use to recalibrate and succeed—regardless of past decisions or present circumstances.
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50+
Prisons we've visited to make in-person presentations. We don't only teach and inspire, we lead train-the-trainer seminars to promote peer-to-peer learning and improve the culture of confinement.
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1,000+
People in custody taking initiative to build profiles on the Prison Professors Talent platform. They're memorializing steps to prepare for success as law-abiding, contributing citizens.
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1,100+
Jails and prisons that offer our lessons, courses, and books to teach and inspire people. In our self-directed courses, people learn how to accelerate pathways to success upon release.
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900K+
People in custody with daily access to Prison Professors lessons, courses, and books through our collaboration with the Edovo Foundation and direct partnership with government agencies.
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Our Founder
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Arrested and Brought into System
On August 11, 1987, federal authorities arrested me for my role in a cocaine trafficking operation. Although the charges did not involve violence, I held a leadership position and faced a severe sentence. I was 23 years old. During that first year, authorities confined me to solitary while I navigated the judicial process. Unaware of what lay ahead, I made a series of poor decisions—most notably, choosing to go to trial rather than accepting responsibility for my actions.
Sentenced to 45 Years
Following a lengthy trial, a jury convicted me. I returned to the same solitary cell, uncertain of what would come next. An officer began bringing me books. I read about Socrates, Frederick Douglass, Viktor Frankl, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi. Their stories helped me to think differently. I began thinking about steps I could take to make amends. My judge sentenced me to 45 years, and I made a commitment to work toward reconciling with society. That strategy helped me recalibrate.
Tools, Tactics, Resources
To triumph over the challenges of confinement, I built a three-part plan. First, I'd work to earn academic credentials. Second, I’d find ways to contribute to society in meaningful, measurable ways. Third, I’d build a strong support network of mentors. I documented progress by journaling. That strategy helped me build confidence. I lived as if I were the CEO of my life, making intentional choices and tracking progress. That mindset put me on a path to succeed.
Improving Outcomes for All
My prison adjustment set the foundation for everything I’ve achieved since completing my sentence, on August 12, 2013. I wanted to build solutions. Today, my work focuses on improving outcomes for anyone in the criminal justice system, helping others prepare for success. Through education, advocacy, and personal example, I strive to create safer communities by championing reforms that reward merit. We must be intentional when engineering success, through mindset, action, and commitment.
I'll never ask anyone to do anything I didn't do
I served 26 years in federal prison, guided every step of the way by lessons from extraordinary leaders like Socrates, Frederick Douglass, Viktor Frankl, and Nelson Mandela. Their teachings showed me how to transform adversity into strength. Today, I share the exact strategies I used to prepare for success—strategies anyone can follow. Through my writing, daily blogs, and transparency with an accountability log, I strive to inspire others by demonstrating that regardless of our past, we all have the power to create meaningful change and build a life of significance.
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Take action
with us.
