Volunteer

We expect our interns to not hold any prejudice or bias towards incarcerated people. We appreciate when our volunteerss have a critical approach in regard to the criminal justice system. We ask that all prospective interns realize the strong effects that their presence can have on UPEP as an organization, and most importantly, the students.  

Research Assistant

UPEP provides unpaid credit-bearing AND non-credit-bearing internships throughout the year for students. This role does not include going inside the correctional facility. Internships begin at the start of each semester. Paid internships are occasionally available in collaboration with Departments and Colleges at the University. These positions are competitive and advertised when available. If you attend a different university other than the U, contact your college or department about receiving internship credit through your program.

We are currently in the process of building reentry guides for formerly incarcerated folks. This role is avaibale for those seeking internship credit through the Hinckley Institute at the U, as well as those who are not seeking credit. Contact Dr. Cappas-Toro (contact info below) for more details about this role. 

 

Application Process:
1. Prepare a cover letter addressing the following prompt questions (1-2 pages):
    a. What is your initial interest/motivation in getting involved with UPEP?
    b. What do you look forward to as a UPEP intern? What are your expectations?
    c. How do you think you would contribute to UPEP’s mission?
2. Attach your resume.
3. Send your materials to Dr. Pamela Cappas-Toro at: pamela.cappas-toro@utah.edu  Our committee will review all
 applications and finalists will be contact for interviews.

 

 

Dates & deadlines for submitting application:

Summer session: March 15th of the same year  

Fall Session: July 15th of the same year 

Spring Session: October 15th of the previous year  

 

 

 

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are volunteers who work in the prison on a weekly/bi-weekly basis to supplement UPEP courses and provide academic support. Academic support entails assisting students with their homework, critical thinking, as well as stimulating and constructive conversations related to course content, and introducing students to academic research and resources related to their interests and class assignments.

We expect our TAs to not hold any prejudice or bias towards incarcerated people. We appreciate when our volunteerss have a critical approach in regard to the criminal justice system. Entering the prison is a very serious, but rewarding, venture; we ask that all prospective instructors realize the strong effects that their presence can have on the prison, UPEP as an organization, and most importantly, the students.  

Graduate students, and community members who are 21 years old or older are especially encouraged to apply for this role.

Undergraduate students are required to work as an intern for our reentry project before being conisdered for this Teaching Assistant role inside the prison.

*AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 2025 WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING TEACHING ASSISTANT APPLICATIONS. We will update this page when we begin to accept applications again. 

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Teaching Assistant Requirements:

1. You must be 21 years or older
2. Complete the application  (outlined below)
3. Meet Utah Department of Corrections requirements for becoming a volunteer, including a required badge training at the Utah State Correctional Facity in Salt Lake City 
4. Attend UPEP orientation at the University of Utah 
5. Driving or carpooling to the prison is required 

Application Process:

1. Submit a cover letter addressing the following prompt questions (1-2 pages):
   1. What is your initial interest/motivation in teaching for UPEP?
   2. What do you look forward to as a UPEP instructor? What are your expectations?
   3. How do you think you would contribute to UPEP´s mission?
2. Submit your resume or CV 
3. After all materials are received, a UPEP team member will contact you to complete an interview, if you have met the qualifications

*Please note that applications which do not follow these guidelines will not be considered. 

Email materials to Upep@utah.edu

Do you have a research topic that you would like to share with our students? A creative workshop? A recently released book? UPEP is seeking individuals to provide engaging and innovative lectures at the prison for various lecture series. Previous lectures have included presentations on topics as varied as climate change, algorithms, and birds!All fields and disciplines encouraged to apply. Lectures should be geared toward a generalist audience. We seek to provide guest lectures in all the facilities we work in. Ask about the option do a lecture virtually if this option is of interest. 

We expect guest speakers to not hold any prejudice or bias towards incarcerated people. Entering the prison is a very serious, but rewarding, venture; we ask that all prospective speakers realize the strong effects that their presence can have on the prison, UPEP as an organization, and most importantly, the students.  

Guest Speaker Requirements:

1. Previous teaching experience and knowledgeable in the content area
2. Complete the Utah Department of Corrections Volunteer Badge Training or complete a one-time guest clearance form (email upep@utah.edu for more information details).
3. Driving or carpooling to the prison is required 

 

Application Requirements:

1. Cover letter addressing your interest in participating as a guest speaker for UPEP and your expectations of the lecture.
2. CV
3. 1-page description (if proposing a previous lecture, please include flyer).

Email materials to Upep@utah.edu