Get Involved
Thank you for your interest in working with EJP!
There are two main ways individuals get involved with EJP:
- teach with EJP at Danville Correctional Center
- become a member of an EJP program that permits virtual involvement, such as the Reentry Resource Program, the Prison to Gown Pathway, or the Policy & Research team
You’ll find information about each opportunity below, along with application forms. The next application deadline for our college-in-prison program at Danville is Sunday December 15, 2024. (This is a change from our usual Oct. 1 deadline.)
In Fall 2024 we plan to hold four info sessions via Zoom for individuals interested in learning more about EJP’s programs and our application process:
Tues Oct 22, 4 – 5pm
Thurs Nov 7, 12 – 1pm
Mon Nov 18, 6 – 7pm
Tues Dec 3, 12 – 1pm
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/89291441422?pwd=L0ZRUkNIRUxWZlFHbngxUjc0elRHQT09
Looking for a quick overview of all EJP programs? The EJP 2023-24 Handbook is a good source of information.
College-in-Prison Program at Danville Correctional Center
The deadline for submitting applications to participate in EJP’s college-in-prison program is Sunday December 15, 2024. This is for individuals who want to engage during the 2025-6 academic year.
Our college-in-prison program is at the heart of everything we do. It consists of 12 different initiatives at Danville Correctional Center. Individuals interested in working with EJP are requested to apply to a specific initiative or program; you are welcome to apply to more than one.
Please find a list of our prison initiatives currently accepting applications below.
What do we look for in candidates? We seek maturity of purpose and an understanding of the social and historic contexts of our work. We seek members who are comfortable working with diverse student populations, in terms of demographics and academic background, and who have strong social skills. Flexibility is important, as is ability and willingness to support other EJP members in our shared work. It’s important to be willing to follow prison rules and regulations.
EJP for-credit course instructors must have the same qualifications that would be necessary to teach the course on the Urbana-Champaign campus. In most cases, that is a terminal degree or ABD (“All But Dissertation”) status. Other programs require that applicants possess a bachelor’s degree or specialized knowledge.
How to Apply
The next deadline is Sunday December 15, 2024, with the exception of two programs that plan to accept applications earlier (see below) We expect individuals who apply to EJP in Fall 2024 to become involved in the program during the 2025-26 academic year. We expect that the following application deadline will be December 15, 2025, for individuals who wish to participate in the program during the 2026-27 academic year.
Each EJP program has its own application form, accessed by clicking on the name of the program, below. Please complete and submit the form according to the instructions. If you cannot find the form you are looking for, please contact the EJP office at 217.300.5150 or info@educationjustice.net.
Each program has its own selection committee. If the members of a given selection committee decide to pursue your application, they’ll contact you to schedule an interview. (If not, they’ll be in touch to explain that they have elected not to interview you.) During the interview, you’ll meet over Zoom with a small group of current EJP members who will be interested in learning more about you and what leads you to apply to EJP, and in addressing your questions about the program. Please be aware that we always check references before extending an invitation to join EJP.
If you’re offered a position that will take you into the prison on a regular basis, the next step will be for you to complete the clearance application from the Illinois Department of Corrections. This is a lengthy application that includes a background check. After we submit the clearance application form on your behalf, and while we are waiting for news on your clearance, we will invite you to attend a series of orientations and trainings in spring 2025. These activities will prepare you for engaging at the prison, allow you to meet other EJP members, and help you become familiar with EJP’s policies and procedures. They include the mandatory orientation, “EJP 101,” which we offer several times each year.
Member Positions at Danville Corretional Center (not compensated)
- Academic Advising (currently not accepting applications)
- Accounting Certificate Support Partner (currently not accepting applications)
- The Amplifier (not currently accepting applications)
- Associate Librarian (support EJP’s Community Library at Danville Correctional Center) – due Oct 1
- Business Workshops
- Chicago Anti-Violence Education (C.A.V.E.)
- Computer Lab Team
If you have trouble downloading any of the applications, please send an email to info@educationjustice.net.
EJP Coordinator Positions at Danville Correctional Center
Each College-in-Prison program is overseen by an EJP coordinator. Some programs have two co-coordinators. These individuals manage teams of between five and ten outside EJP members, and work as well with incarcerated EJP members who contribute to planning and administration of our prison programs. Relevant leadership experience and content knowledge related to the particular EJP program is required for most coordinator positions. Coordinators are expected to work 5 – 7 hours/week and are compensated $30/hour.
We currently seek to fill the following coordinator positions:
- Academic Advising Coordinator
- Amplifier Coordinator (student newsletter)
- Community Anti-Violence Education (CAVE) Coordinator
- Computer Lab Co-Coordinator
To apply or for more information about any of the positions above, please complete the online application form. We accept coordinator applications on a rolling basis.
Policy and Research
Are you interested in joining the Policy and Research Team here at EJP?
EJP engages in research and public education that supports the implementation of thoughtful, evidence-based, ethical policies related to higher education in prison, reentry, and related matters.
EJP’s Policy and Research Team accepts applications on a rolling basis. Prison clearance is not required. For more information about the team, please contact EJP Policy and Research Director, Ashton Hoselton, at info@educationjustice.net
Please fill out the form below to apply.
Reentry Resource Program
EJP produces three reentry guides that are revised and updated annually. About twenty RRP members participate in different aspects of guide production–including research, writing, editing, outreach, and distribution.
RRP accepts applications on a rolling basis. Prison clearance is not required. We especially seek members with personal connection to incarceration and reentry. The application form provides detailed information about RRP.
EJP Internship Program
Are you an undergraduate or graduate student who wants to learn more about the American criminal justice system, prison education, or reentry? Would you like to gain experience in research, fundraising, event planning, or other areas? Are you interested in meeting other people on campus who share your interests? Do you want to make a difference?
Please consider applying to our internship program. We accept applications every fall and spring. The next deadline is September 7th, 2024. Interns work out of the EJP office on campus, not at the prison. Most are currently working virtually, but there are multiple meetings and events each semester that build community and provide learning opportunities.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Paid Positions
Most EJP members work with us on a voluntary basis. Occasionally, paid positions with EJP become available. Those postings can be found in the Open Positions page.
EJP Research Group
We invite participation in EJP’s Research Group, which meets monthly. This group is open to anyone who wishes to discuss works-in-progress that address any aspect of criminal justice and allied topics. There is no application process and all are welcome. Please contact our research coordinator at scholarships@educationjustice.net for more information.
Additional Information
After you leave EJP
It may seem odd to be thinking already about your departure from EJP, but we want to emphasize how much we value our members and continue to think of them as part of the larger EJP universe, as we call it. Many people are active with EJP for years. Others work with us for only one or two semesters. We appreciate them all.
After a member decides it’s time to transition away from participation with EJP, we welcome their continued affiliation. Those who have worked with EJP at the prison are known as “EJP Faculty Affiliates.” We have faculty affiliates in many US states and in countries around the world. We appreciate the world-wide network of EJP members and encourage them to continue their participation in critical prison work wherever they find themselves.
Want to learn more?
Please see our bibliographies on prison education or visit this page to learn about other prison education programs and allied projects around the country.