About PJP Learning
PJP Learning trains incarcerated writers in the tools of journalism so they can tell powerful stories and get them published. Our program is open to everyone, no matter their educational background.
Our Head Start on Second Chance program provides training grounded in literacy and workforce development to help writers prepare for the challenges of reentry. Using correspondence courses, handouts and tailored resources, participants develop practical skills they can carry beyond prison — while gaining confidence and purpose through sharing their own stories.
Our offerings include:
- Learning+: A three-year deep learning opportunity that combines a structured curriculum, assignments and frequent publishing with close collaboration with editors, giving writers hands-on opportunities to strengthen reporting, literacy and workforce readiness skills. Learning+ represents our primary strategy for achieving lasting impact.
- “A Prison Writer’s Guide to Media Writing” handbook and certificate program: This first-of-its kind handbook was developed by PJP specifically for incarcerated writers. It includes 14 instruction modules, writing from incarcerated writers and a style guide, along with a duty of care section that includes a risk assessment quiz, so writers can understand their own capacity for risk. Those who complete the coursework earn beginner, intermediate and advanced reporter certificates.
- PJP Inside: PJP Inside is our award-winning educational magazine, published four times a year. Each issue includes stories by incarcerated writers as well as journalism training through activities, quizzes and writing prompts.
- Workshops: PJP partners selectively with local organizations to offer in-person workshops for incarcerated writers.
Edovo partnership: We offer digital versions of PJP Inside through Edovo’s tablet-based educational platform which provides free content to over 1 million learners in 1,200 jails and prisons nationwide — roughly half the U.S. incarcerated population. We have plans to develop video-based introductory storytelling and journalism courses in 2026 and beyond.
Our progression integrates training with publishing to strengthen writers’ literacy, communication and professional skills. Each step in our model is competency-based, which means every writer develops the skills they need at their own pace.
Throughout our holistic programming, writers build professional skills necessary for successful employment through hands-on learning. By the time writers are correspondents, they have demonstrated their ability to:
- Use empathy and take accountability
- Manage time and responsibilities independently
- Take initiative
- Practice effective verbal and written communications
- Receive and implement feedback
- Use critical thinking and problem-solving
- Work collaboratively toward shared goals
- Manage projects effectively
