At Prison Professors, we believe in a simple but powerful idea: people can earn freedom through merit.
That belief is more than a slogan—it’s a strategy. And right now, we’re executing on that strategy through Prison Professors Talent, our free digital platform for people in prison.
More than 1,300 individuals have created profiles. Each one represents a person who wants to prepare for success, contribute to society, and become a candidate for clemency, home confinement, or work release.
But opening a profile is only the beginning.
To really build a strong case for relief, a person must document their journey—every day if possible. That’s why I’m personally writing to individuals who are leading the way. These are the people showing up on our leaderboard, a new feature that tracks those who’ve earned the most points by publishing content to their profile.
Points are awarded when someone writes:
- A journal entry
- A biography update
- A book report
- A release plan
Each entry under 300 words earns 1 point. Entries over 300 words earn 2 points. Testimonial endorsements from others also add to their score. And now, with our new “tribes” feature, users can refer others—and earn points when their tribe members contribute.
These metrics aren’t just numbers. They tell a story. They reflect effort, intention, and the daily discipline of building a record of rehabilitation and readiness.
That’s the story I carry into every meeting I have with officials from the Bureau of Prisons, legislators, and advocates. I point to the leaderboard and say, “Here’s the evidence. These individuals are earning freedom through merit.”
And that’s why I write to these leaders in confinement—because they inspire me. In every letter, I let them know:
- Their work matters.
- Their profiles are public-facing proof of their transformation.
- Their effort gives me tools to push for policy change.
I remind them that I’m out here doing the hard work of advocacy. But I also let them know: I need them to do the hard work inside the walls. This isn’t charity—it’s collaboration.
If you’re a family member, defense attorney, or policy advocate reading this, I encourage you to visit PrisonProfessorsTalent.com. Browse the profiles. Read the journal entries. You’ll see the reality: people are doing the work.
And if you’re a person in prison who hasn’t yet started a profile—or if you’ve started one but haven’t updated it in a while—this is your call to action. Your story matters. Your voice matters. And your effort could become the reason for a second chance.
We’re not just talking about earning freedom. We’re building the infrastructure to make it possible.
Be strong. Be active. Be visible.
Freedom favors the prepared.
