Voices

Mirvais Aminy

“I don't believe there's such a thing as a throw-away human being.”

Enrollment Specialist mentoring at-risk youth and formerly incarcerated students at CSUF.

The John Irwin House

Established in 2018, the first transformative housing in the United States for formerly incarcerated university students. A safe home while students pursue their degrees at CSUF.

Robert Duesler

“Project Rebound is an existential spot for me.”

Graduated magna cum laude in Human Services; now pursuing a Master's in Psychology.

Omar Chavez

“Education empowers. Education's very important because it changes you.”

The first Project Rebound graduate at CSUF — proof that transformation starts with access.

Arnold Trevino

“In the prison yards everybody wants to know where you're from.”

25 years incarcerated. Bachelor's and Master's degrees earned. Dean's Medalist at Fresno State.

Reimagining Public Safety

Dr. Brady Heiner and Romarilyn Ralston in conversation on public safety reform — hosted by the Kegley Institute of Ethics.

The P/R Consortium

“That was my turning point, because once I felt welcomed...”

Nine CSU campuses: Bakersfield, Fresno, Fullerton, Los Angeles, Pomona, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Francisco.

On Mass Incarceration

Dr. Brady Heiner and Romarilyn Ralston join host Michael Burroughs, Ph.D. of the Kegley Institute of Ethics to unpack mass incarceration.

Being an Astronaut

“It's unbelievable that within the greatest country in the world...”

Featuring Romarilyn Ralston, Program Coordinator of Project Rebound.

Jason Bell

“I started to learn that there was something for me in school...”

Director of Program Development, CSU Project Rebound Consortium.

From Prison to UCLA Graduation

James Anderson — co-founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, UCLA honors graduate (2017), who met President Obama.

Allen & Zion

Allen is enrolled in Cal State LA's bachelor's program for incarcerated individuals. His stepdaughter Zion is enrolling as a freshman.

Break the Prison Pipeline

Dr. Susan Burton — Founder/Executive Director of A New Way of Life Reentry Project, who helped launch the John Irwin House at CSUF.

Why Education in Prison Matters

“Those who participate in college programs are half as likely to be re-incarcerated.”

A New Way of Life

Dr. Susan Burton — recipient of the 2010 Gleitsman Citizen Activist Award at Harvard Kennedy School.

Susan Burton

“I think it's important to have opportunity for people.”

Episode 42: Catch a Kite

Advice from formerly incarcerated people to incarcerated youth in Wisconsin.

James “JC” Cavitt

Program Director of Project Rebound CSUF, pursuing a doctoral degree in Marriage & Family Therapy.

Romarilyn Ralston

Earned three degrees during her 23 years in prison — now a national leader in reentry education.

Public Safety & Education Finance

Edgar Villegas (Youth Mentor) and Dr. Brady Heiner (Interim Executive Director) testify before the California Legislature.

Women and Life Imprisonment

A trauma-informed look at the rising rates of women serving life sentences in the United States.