University of Utah Prison Education Project

UPEP provides unpaid credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing internships throughout the year for students. 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.

All applicants should be highly motivated, dependable, and able to check email at least every 48 hours. Applicants should not hold any ill feelings or biases towards people with incarceration histories and we strongly encourage individuals directly impacted by incarceration to apply.

All Interns will report to UPEP Director Dr. Erin Castro and work closely with the UPEP Leadership Team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student with good academic standing.
• Commit to approximately 10 hours of work per week for one semester, with 3-5 hours in the UPEP office on campus.
• Participate in a half-day orientation once a semester and attend monthly meetings throughout the semester.

To apply, submit the following:

• Cover letter addressing why you want to intern with UPEP and highlighting any relevant experience. Please specify which internship you are applying for (see below).
• Resume or CV.
• Schedule of availability (at least 10 hours per week).

Materials due November 1 (Spring Internship), March 1 (Summer Internship) and June 1 (Fall Internship).

Submit Materials

Administrative Assistant
The Administrative Intern assists the Project in managing its day-to-day operations outside the prison. This work may include coordinating and documenting the collection of donations, managing print correspondence with students, updating social media, and assisting in general record keeping. This position requires weekly presence in the UPEP office on campus and consistent, timely checking of email.

Research Assistant
The Research Assistant Intern assists in analysis of UPEP’s program evaluation. Data have already been collected and require initial reading, cataloguing, and analysis. The Research Assistant Intern works closely with the Director to produce a final evaluation report by the end of the semester. This position requires much independent writing and reading, which includes reading in the area of program evaluation.

Course Assistant
The Course Assistant Intern assists in gathering all necessary supplemental materials for the courses offered on-site at the prison. These requests include, but are not limited to, assisting with gathering research and information for students writing papers and helping faculty in printing weekly requests. This position requires excellent communication and follow-through skills, weekly presence in the UPEP office on campus, and the ability to work with faculty to manage course-specific requests every week.

Media Assistant
The Media Assistant Interns assists in managing all UPEP social media accounts and supports efforts to publish our bi-annual newsletters. This position requires great attention to detail and time management.

Outreach Assistant
The Outreach Assistant is responsible for making and strengthening connections between UPEP and various campus and community organizations. This position requires advanced motivation, ability for independent work, and excellent public speaking skills. The OA assists the Project in recruiting volunteers, educating audiences about UPEP, coordinating events, and making informational presentations.

Development Assistant
The Development Assistant works with the Leadership Team in the areas of fundraising, budget, and grant writing. Specific tasks consist of identifying grant opportunities, drafting applications, and tracking data that may be crucial for applications to future funding opportunities. This position requires experience in grant writing and is likely best suited for someone working on a master’s degree.

Student Advisory Liaison Assistant
This position requires weekly attendance at the Utah State Prison in Draper. The primary purpose of this internship is to support the UPEP Student Advisory Group inside the prison as they work to improve UPEP programming, communication, and organization on the inside. Advanced undergraduate students and graduate students are invited to apply for this position. Experience with university student government preferred.

Teaching and Learning Assistants (TLAs) work in the prison on a weekly basis to supplement UPEP courses and provide academic support. Academic support entails assisting students with their homework, engaging in stimulating and constructive conversations related to course content, and introducing students to academic research and resources related to their interests and class assignments.

This is an unpaid position. Driving or carpooling is required. The Teaching and Learning Lab is held weekly from 5pm to 8pm at the Draper prison.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous experience tutoring and knowledgeable in the content area
• Ability to read along with the class and understand/fully explain assignments for students
• Meet Utah Department of Corrections requirements for becoming a volunteer. See here
• Attend the majority of Teaching and Learning Lab sessions during the semester
• Not hold any ill feeling or biases towards people with incarceration histories
• Attend UPEP orientation and monthly meetings

To apply, submit the following:

• Cover letter addressing why you want to volunteer with UPEP and highlighting any relevant experience
• Resume or CV
• Teaching Statement

Submit Materials

Thank you for your interest in teaching for UPEP. We would love to have you join us! Before applying, please carefully read our FAQ. When you are ready to apply, you may send a 1-page course proposal along with your CV to upep@utah.edu. Please note that applications which do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.

This is an unpaid position. Driving or carpooling is required.

For Summer courses, please submit your course proposal and materials by March 15. For Fall courses, please submit by June 15. And for Spring courses, please submit by Oct 15 of the preceding year.

To apply, submit the following:

• CV
• 1-page course proposal with course title, course description, course objectives, book lists and materials costs if applicable (see an example here and use our fill-able PDF here)
• (Optional) Cover Letter

Submit Materials

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 our “Summiting New Heights” 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. Two lectures are scheduled each semester (one each in women’s and men’s facilities).

To apply, submit the following:

• Cover letter and/or CV
• 1-page description (if proposing a previous lecture, please include flier)
• Statement on why you want to lecture for UPEP

Submit Materials