Volunteer

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. 
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. 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.  

Administrative Assistant

The Administrative Intern assists UPEP in managing its day-to-day operations outside the prison. This work may include managing print correspondence with students, assisting in general record keeping, and researching life-affirming resources for students being released and going though reintegration. This position requires weekly presence in the UPEP office on campus and consistent, timely checking of email.

Resource Room Hours Assistant: The Resource Room Hours Assistant works in the prison on a weekly basis to supplement UPEP courses and provide academic support during study hall time. Academic support entails assisting students with their homework, assignments, projects, as well as constructive conversations related to course content. They also engage in weekly structured discussions surrounding issues of carcerality and education. You must be 21 years or older to apply for this role.

 

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  

**Please contact Dr. Pamela Cappas-Toro if you're interested in participating as a student intern. 
pamela.cappas-toro@utah.edu

 

 

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.  

 Please find the application requirements and deadlines below:

Teaching Assistant Requirements:

1. You must be 21 years or older
2. Complete the application process
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 requirements:

1. 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. Resume or CV 
3. After all materials are received, the UPEP program coordinator will contact qualified candidates to schedule an interview. 

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

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  

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).
4. After all materials are received, the UPEP program coordinator will contact qualified candidates to schedule an interview. 

Email materials to Upep@utah.edu

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