Director of education MissionStatement

57% of people incarcerated in state prisons have never participated in education programs, 75% of incarcerated people are illiterate, and formerly incarcerated individuals are less likely to have received high school and college educations. With significant waiting lists and rigorous exclusions to program participation, we identify a gap in educational provisions for our incarcerated members across the entire prison system in Virginia. With wins in reform on the horizon, and more and more people coming home to their families and communities, we have formulated a specific mission in terms of providing education in non-traditional and innovative formats. With pilot programs being embraced by our members in facilities throughout the State, we have uncovered an eagerness to learn and a sense of hope. Throughout the United States, over 125,000 incarcerated people have never been offered the opportunity to participate in educational programs throughout their incarceration. This is not and will never be okay. We hope this will assist with employment opportunities post release, an uplift in mental and physical health, and increased positivity. With your support, I envision an environment where we can reduce prison violence and invest in our incarcerated loved ones through critical thinking, access to education, social development, and leadership opportunities.

Kirsten – 40 Strong Director of Education.