Resources: Educational Resources

PARC corresponds with and mails a directory of these resources to prisoners, their friends and family members. We are often the first point of contact for people to connect with prisoners' rights organizations, community organizations, prison literature and arts projects, family and visiting resources, health care and legal resources, parole and pre-release resources, and the prison abolition movement.

Download a PDF copy of the April 2026 Edition here.

Resource Category
Set Free Prison Ministries

Provides Bible study courses in English and Spanish to people free of charge. Curriculum consists of Bible courses from the Navigators in Colorado Springs, Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and Emmaus Correspondence School in Iowa. Provides free postage both mailing and return. Serves people nationally.


 Educational Resources, Religious Programs / Spiritual Resources
SYDA Foundation Prison Project

Dedicated to disseminating the Siddha Yoga meditation teachings and practices to incarcerated individuals. Sends its free monthly In Search of the Self meditation course with a companion newsletter to interested seekers. Write or call to get signed up. Serves people nationally.


 


 Educational Resources, Rehabilitation Programs
The Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project

The Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project at Auburn University APAEP offers access to educational opportunities to people currently and formerly incarcerated across the state. The APAEP community cultivates inclusive, student-centered spaces for creativity, exploration, and lifelong relationships with learning. We value respect, dignity, equity, compassion, and innovation. Serves Alabama only.


 Educational Resources, Prison Writing / Arts Programs
The American Prison Writing Archive

The American Prison Writing Archive (APWA) is a growing public, internet-based collection of non-fiction writing about direct experience with the U.S. prison system. Anyone who has been incarcerated or has volunteered inside can send handwritten or typed pieces. All writing skill levels are welcome. 5,000 word limit. We read and respond to all writing. No reading fees or SASE required. A signed Permissions-Questionnaire (PQ) form is required for writing to be included in the APWA. For more information, or to receive our PQ form, please write to our physical address.Serves writers nationally.


 Educational Resources, Prison Writing / Arts Programs
Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University (UIU) offers a Self-Paced Degree Program, with courses in paper correspondence format that can be completed at a distance without technology. The Self-Paced paper format is structured around written assignments and proctored exams. UIU offers associate degrees in general business, criminal justice, liberal arts, psychology, and bachelor’s degrees in business administration, psychology, and social science. Write for tuition costs ($1050 per 3 credit course 2025-26 academic year) and information packet. UIU offers Prison Education Programs at the Louisiana State Penitentiary and Allen Correctional Center in Louisiana. Outside of these facilities, all other incarcerated students take classes through our self paced program. Serves students nationwide.


 Educational Resources, College and Higher Education Courses
Urbana-Champaign Books to Prisoners

UC Books to Prisoners is an Urbana, Illinois based project providing books to people incarcerated in state and federal prisons in Illinois only. It also runs a Champaign County Jail library and stocks the County Youth Detention Center library. Illinois only.


 Educational Resources, Free Books Programs

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