Take a Class through USC Prison Education Project
USC Dornsife Prison Education Project offers a multitude of courses in varying disciplines including writing, science, meditation, public speaking, and more. Student volunteers assist the lead instructor in guiding the session. We are also offering WRIT 320: Inside-Out Writing Workshop at USC which allows students to deepen their writing skills while working collaboratively with diverse groups, programs, and populations outside of USC.
Courses at USC PEP
Student volunteers will assist the lead instructor guide the session, but student volunteers can also lead one-on-one discussions, ask questions, and encourage critical thinking among students. It is OK if you do not have any background in the offered courses!
Path to Becoming a Volunteer
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This will become available before each semester begins. Sign up for our newsletter for updates on when the application is released.
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Orientation includes training on facility guidelines, course information, and more. All volunteers must attend both USC PEP’s orientation, as well as PEP’s general orientation.
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Visit pepforms.org and submit a facility application.
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Get TB tested and submit proof of testing and COVID vaccine at pepforms.org.
Ready to become a course volunteer?
Sign up for our newsletter to recieve the application once it goes live.
Current Course Offerings
Listed below are the courses offered this semester, both online and in-person.
Introduction to Astronomy
Introduction to Narrative
Introduction to Philosophy
Instructor: Anthony Nguyen
Email: anthony.nguyen1@usc.edu
Location: Santa Fe Spring – CCTRP (in-person)
Science of the Brain
Instructors: Aditi Jagannathan & Victoria Bogomilova
Emails: aajagann@usc.edu, bogomilo@usc.edu
Location: Halawa, Hawaii (online)
Introduction to Non-Fiction
Introduction to Public Health
Instructors: Alisha Huang & Nicole Lu
Emails: alishahu@usc.edu, nylu@usc.edu
Location: Santa Fe Springs – CCTRP (online)
Introduction to Poetry
Introduction to Debate
Instructor: Ruben Flores and the USC Debate Team
Email: rfflores@usc.edu
Location: Ventura County Juvenile Hall (in-person)
Course FAQs
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Classes range anywhere from 12-25 students, depending on the facility and the given day. Virtual classes may differ.
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Enthusiasm, openness to learn, and empathy.
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The most important thing is to show up, both physically and mentally, and engage in conversations with students.
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Please send an email to Nik or Kate at dedomini@usc.edu or klevin@usc.edu, and we’ll get the ball rolling. We can send you information like previous syllabi and materials to help with your planning. Faculty and graduate students are open to submit proposals and undergraduates can submit after 2 semesters of volunteer experience.