Our Work
We are University Beyond Bars, a non-profit organization that is led by Black systems impacted community members and works alongside incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals as they prepare and return to community. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone has a right to education, healing, and a high quality of life regardless of identity, socioeconomic status, or circumstance. The purpose of our work is to break cycles of incarceration and support the development of healthy communities.
Our Mission
University Beyond Bars (UBB) is a stakeholder driven organization that supports the diverse web of individuals most impacted by incarceration by creating access to liberatory and human-centered learning. Our mission is rooted in the belief that we cannot begin to address the trauma of incarceration without addressing the needs of the whole person. We center the life-giving power of connection in our work as we believe that our relationships nourish our lives and are central to both collective action and collective liberation.
"If we do this together, there’s no reason we can’t have 20 people graduating next year, and 40 the year after that. Before you know it, this entire population can be enlightened and liberated through education, and we can redefine what it means to be a typical inmate.” - Devon, UBB graduate, Class of 2016
Our Impact
In 1991, there were 772 college-in-prison programs nationally in 1,287 correctional facilities. In 1994, the Violent Crime Control & Law Enforcement Act banned all prisoners from receiving Federal financial aid in the form of Pell grants. As a consequence, by 1997 the number of college-in-prison programs had dropped to 8. In 2018, UBB offered 54 courses, awarded 920 quarter credits, and logged over 5000 volunteer hours.
40+
Degrees earned
In just the last two years, 27 students graduated with their associate’s degree and 2 students earned their bachelor’s degree.
15+
Years Serving Incarcerated Students
UBB grew out of the Black Prisoners Caucus and became a non-profit in 2005. We have been providing educational opportunities at the men’s prison in Monroe ever since.
5,400+
Thousand of volunteer hours
UBB has over 100 committed volunteers who donate thousands of hours of their time a year. In 2018 alone, volunteers gave over 5,400 hours.
Get Involved
UBB volunteers and supporters are what make our community so strong. If you’re interested in working with UBB or want to learn more about how to contribute, click the links below!
Volunteer opportunities
Interested in Volunteering with UBB? Complete our volunteer inquiry form to get started. This is a great way to support our students and our program. Work one on one with students during classes, study halls, and more.
Make a Donation
Your generous contributions help ensure that we can continue providing academic courses to our students for free. Consider joining the work by pledging a monthly donation today!
