Start with a real door
Resources should be
reachable.
A phone number proves a program exists. Help means making sure a person can actually get through the door.
A fact worth repeating
A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from federal financial aid.
Complete the FAFSA and ask the financial-aid office at the school you plan to attend about your individual eligibility.
California college access
Project Rebound
CSU support for currently and formerly incarcerated students, including admissions, advising, mentoring, and reintegration services.
Greater Los Angeles
Project Rebound at Cal Poly Pomona
The campus program that supported Takisha as she earned her bachelor’s degree.
California college campuses
The Reintegration Academy
An eight-week program founded by Dr. Renford Reese, offering academic, career-development, and life-skills preparation for formerly incarcerated participants. It runs annually in spring and requires a referral from a parole or probation officer. Sites and referral requirements change — confirm current availability before making plans.
Education in prison
National Directory of Higher Education in Prison Programs
A searchable national directory of colleges and programs serving students inside correctional facilities.
National reentry resources
Fair Shake
Free tools for employment, housing, technology, preparation, and the practical work of coming home.
Immediate emotional crisis
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or chat 988 in the United States for free, confidential crisis support.
Wherever you are
Start local, and keep knocking.
Walk into your nearest community college and ask whether they have a program for formerly incarcerated students. More campuses have one every year. If the first person brushes you off, ask a second. If the first campus does not have one, ask the second. Always use the resources in your own area first — this list was checked in 2026, and programs move and people change desks.
Know the lane
This website is a starting point, not emergency care.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. In the United States, call or text 988 for suicide or mental-health crisis support.
For substance-use treatment referral, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit FindTreatment.gov.